Willow & Lark Agnes Sweater Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Agnes Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Agnes Sweater is a textured stripes sweater from the Strath Collection by Willow & Lark. This is a classic pullover sweater featuring a combination of smooth and textured stitch patterns arranged in horizontal stripes throughout the body and sleeves. The design is available in eight sizes, ranging from chest measurements of 76–81 cm (30–32 inches) up to 137–143 cm (54–56 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body sizes.

Techniques Used

The Agnes Sweater is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge of the garment and works upward toward the neckline. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment. The design incorporates horizontal stripes created by alternating between two yarn colors: Slate Grey and Buttermilk. This striping technique adds visual interest and texture variation to the sweater.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs stocking stitch as the primary stitch base, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric characteristic of traditional sweaters. The textured element of the design comes from a pattern stitch that is worked in combination with the stocking stitch sections. The pattern instructions use standard knitting abbreviations including knit (k), purl (p), increase (inc), and decrease (dec) to create the textured stripe effect. Stitch holders are used to hold stitches in place during construction, particularly when shaping the neckline.

Materials and Tools

The Agnes Sweater is knitted using Willow & Lark Strath yarn, available exclusively through lovecrafts.com. The yarn quantities vary by size, requiring between 15–9 balls of Slate Grey (100g/3½oz per ball) and 3–5 balls of Buttermilk, depending on the chosen size. Knitting is worked on 5mm (US 8) and 6mm (US 10) needles. Specifically, 5mm needles are used for ribbed edgings, while 6mm needles are used for the main body fabric. A 5mm (US 8) circular knitting needle measuring 60cm/24 inches is required for working the neckline. Additional tools include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction. The pattern specifies a tension of 15 stitches and 20 rows over 10cm/4in in stocking stitch, and 16 stitches and 25 rows over 10cm/4in in pattern stitch, both measured using 6mm needles.

Finished Measurements

• Width across back: 51–78 cm (20–30¾ inches) depending on size
• Length to back neck: 57–69 cm (22½–27¼ inches) depending on size
• Sleeve length: 45–48 cm (17¾–19 inches) depending on size

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level. The combination of seaming techniques, stripe pattern management, and shaping required for a fitted sweater assumes familiarity with fundamental knitting skills.