Willow & Lark Vanessa Jumper Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Vanessa Jumper: Raglan Cable Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Vanessa Jumper is a classic raglan cable knit sweater designed as part of the Wilderness Collection. This intermediate-level knitting project features a stand-up collar and two prominent high stitch count side seam cables that provide visual interest against the plainly knitted body. The design emphasizes understated elegance with functional style, suitable for layering over a shirt for everyday wear. Available in six sizes ranging from 81cm to 107cm bust measurement, the jumper offers a finished length of 55–60cm from shoulder.

Techniques Used

The Vanessa Jumper employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and progressive garment building.
• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together for a traditional finished appearance.
• Seamed assembly: Individual knitted pieces are sewn together using seaming techniques to create the final garment structure.
• Stranded colorwork: The pattern incorporates stranded knitting methods, though the primary visual focus remains on the cable detailing.
• Raglan shaping: The sleeves are set using raglan construction, where sleeve cap decreases create diagonal lines from underarm to neckline, providing a comfortable and flattering fit.
• Cable knitting: Two-stitch cables are a core design element, requiring the use of cable needles to cross stitches and create the twisted rope-like texture that defines the jumper's aesthetic.

Stitches Used

The Vanessa Jumper relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable work:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The primary stitch throughout the body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side.
• Cable stitches: Two high stitch count cables positioned at the side seams form the jumper's signature design feature. The cable panel measures 22 stitches wide and spans 6.5cm (2½ inches) across, creating substantial textured columns that contrast beautifully with the plain stocking stitch background.
• Ribbing: Used at the collar, cuffs, and hem to provide elasticity and a finished, tailored appearance.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Vanessa Jumper is designed specifically for Willow & Lark Woodland yarn, a premium blend composed of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. This fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and subtle sheen. The yarn is supplied in 50g (1.7oz) balls, with yardage requirements varying by size: 7 balls for sizes XS–M, 8 balls for sizes L–XL, and 9 balls for size XXL. Alternative colorways are suggested in Army (413) and Cirrus (416).

Needles and tools: The pattern requires two pairs of straight knitting needles—3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) for ribbed sections and 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) for the main body—plus a 3.25mm circular needle for the stand-up collar. Two cable needles are essential for executing the cable crossings throughout the design.

Tension and Finishing Details

Correct tension is critical for achieving the intended finished measurements. The pattern specifies 21 stitches and 28 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using 4.00mm needles. The cable panel tension is calibrated so that 22 stitches measure 6.5cm (2½ inches) wide, ensuring the cables appear proportionate to the overall design. Achieving proper tension guarantees that the jumper will fit as intended across all six size options and that the cable definition remains crisp and well-defined.