Willow & Lark Megan Boat Neck Jumper Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Megan Boat Neck Jumper

What is Being Made

The Megan Boat Neck Jumper is a women's knitted pullover sweater featuring a classic boat neckline and short sleeves. This design is part of the Chintz Collection from Willow & Lark and is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). The finished garment offers a contemporary, elegant silhouette with a boat neck that sits horizontally across the shoulders and upper chest.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several construction and design techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together at the end.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are joined using seaming techniques to create the finished garment.
• Cable and lace patterning: The design incorporates both cable and lace stitches to add textural depth and visual complexity to the knitted fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches combined into decorative stitch patterns. Core abbreviations include knit (K) and purl (P) stitches, which form the foundation of all knitted fabric. The design features cable stitches—created by crossing groups of stitches over one another—and lace stitches, which are typically formed by yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections. These stitch patterns are worked according to written instructions provided in the full pattern, with abbreviations such as increase (inc), decrease (dec), repeat (rep), and pass slipped stitch over (psso) guiding the knitter through shaping and pattern repeats.

Materials and Tools

The Megan Boat Neck Jumper is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Poetry yarn, a DK-weight yarn composed of 60% Merino Wool, 30% Microfibre, and 10% Camel. This blend creates a soft, durable fabric suitable for a close-fitting sweater. Yarn requirements range from 7 to 8 balls (50g per ball) depending on size. The sample shown is worked in Fondant Pink (colorway 613).

Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) needles for ribbed edgings and 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) needles for the main fabric. The pattern is designed to achieve a tension of 21 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over pattern using the 4.00mm needles. Checking tension before beginning is essential, as incorrect tension will affect the final fit and yarn requirements.

Pattern Notes

This is an intermediate-level project suitable for knitters with experience in basic shaping, cable work, and lace techniques. The pattern provides instructions for the smallest size with bracketed or clearly marked changes for larger sizes. Finished length ranges from 50–54 cm (19½–21¼ inches) and sleeve length from 12–14 cm (4¾–5½ inches), making this a relatively short-sleeved, fitted jumper. The boat neckline is a defining feature, offering a sophisticated neckline option that differs from crew necks or V-necks.