Willow & Lark Beatrix Jumper Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Beatrix Jumper: Fairisle Yoke Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Beatrix Jumper is a classic fairisle yoke jumper designed by Ann Kingstone as part of the Best of British Collection. This advanced-level knitted sweater features a distinctive yoke with a fairisle pattern inspired by the William Morris design 'The Strawberry Thief'. Birds gently dance around the yoke in this signature design that many fans will recognize as an Ann Kingstone creation. The jumper is available in six sizes, ranging from 81 cm to 107 cm bust (32 to 42 inches), with actual measurements at the underarm from 85 cm to 111 cm (33½ to 43¾ inches).

Techniques Used

The Beatrix Jumper employs two primary advanced knitting techniques:

• Stranded Fairisle: The yoke features a fairisle pattern created using the stranded colorwork method, which involves carrying yarn across the back of the work while alternating between two colors to create the design.
• Knitting in the Round: The entire garment is worked in the round using circular needles, creating seamless construction throughout the body and sleeves.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern uses stockinette stitch as the base fabric, with fairisle colorwork concentrated in the yoke area. The tension requirements differ between plain stockinette and fairisle sections: 23 stitches and 32 rounds to 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette stitch, and 26 stitches and 32 rounds to 10 cm (4 inches) over the fairisle pattern. Both tensions are achieved using 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6) needles.

Materials and Tools

The Beatrix Jumper is designed to be knitted with Willow & Lark Ramble yarn, a 100% wool DK weight yarn. The fiber composition, weight, twist, and texture of Ramble specifically impact the finished appearance, and using this yarn is recommended to achieve results matching the design photographs.

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for two colors in Willow & Lark Ramble:

• Main Color (MC): 9 to 11 balls depending on size, with suggested colorways including Boysenberry 130 or Night Sky 125
• Contrast Color (CC): 1 to 2 balls depending on size, with suggested colorways including Limestone 102 or Sky Blue 121

Needles Required:

• 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6) circular needle, 40 cm (16 inches) long for working the sleeves
• 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6) circular needle, 80 cm (32 inches) long for working the body

Garment Specifications

The Beatrix Jumper is designed with the following measurements across the size range:

• Length to Side Neck: 61 to 64 cm (24 to 25 inches)
• Sleeve Seam: 45 cm (17¾ inches) consistent across all sizes
• Difficulty Level: Advanced, requiring proficiency in fairisle colorwork and circular needle knitting techniques

Yarn quantities provided in the pattern are based on average requirements and are approximate. The pattern emphasizes the importance of reading all instructions before beginning and notes that the finished garment's appearance depends significantly on using Willow & Lark Ramble yarn as specified in the design.