Willow & Lark Yvette Jumper Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Yvette Jumper

What Is Being Made

The Yvette Jumper is a Fair Isle yoke jumper designed by Sarah Hatton as part of The Best of British Collection. This seamless, crew-neck sweater features a striking two-colour yoke worked in the round with classic geometric Fair Isle motifs, paired with rich two-colour ribbed details. The design brings the aesthetic of Willow & Lark Woodland tweed to life through its patterning. Available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81cm to 107cm (32in to 42in), this jumper is ideal for knitters new to Fair Isle techniques who want to create a sophisticated, statement-making garment.

Techniques Used

The Yvette Jumper employs three primary knitting techniques:

• Seamless construction: The entire jumper is knitted in one piece without seams, creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Worked in the round: Using circular needles and double-pointed needles, the garment is constructed circularly from the bottom up, eliminating the need for seaming.
• Stranded Fair Isle: Two colours are carried across the yoke, with classic geometric motifs worked using the stranded colourwork technique. This method involves holding two yarn colours simultaneously and switching between them to create the pattern, with unused yarn stranded across the back of the work.

The pattern notes specifically mention that Sarah Hatton designed this sweater for those new to Fair Isle, making it an intermediate-level project that demystifies what can seem daunting about two-colour Fair Isle knitting.

Stitches Used

The Yvette Jumper is constructed primarily using stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which forms the smooth, V-textured fabric of the main body. The yoke features Fair Isle patterning with classic geometric motifs in two colours. Two-colour ribs are used as finishing details, creating standout ribbed sections that frame the design. These ribs add both visual interest and structural integrity at cuffs, neckline, and hem.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Willow & Lark Woodland, a premium blended yarn composed of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. Each ball weighs 50g (1.7oz). The main colour (M) is Cirrus 416, requiring 6 to 7 balls depending on size. The contrast colour (C) is Thistle Bud 415, requiring 1 ball for all sizes. Alternative colourways are suggested: Heather 422 and Spiced Plum 423. The pattern emphasises that using Woodland yarn is recommended to achieve the intended finished appearance, as fibre content, weight, twist, and composition significantly impact the garment's look.

Needles: The project requires two sizes of circular needles (both 80cm/32in length) and corresponding double-pointed needles for working the sleeves. The smaller needles are 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3), used for ribbed sections. The larger needles are 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6), used for the main body and yoke. Tension is measured at 22 stitches and 30 rounds to 10cm (4in) over stocking stitch, and 22 stitches and 28 rounds to 10cm (4in) over yoke pattern, both using 4.00mm needles.

Design Details

The Yvette Jumper features a tailored fit with actual bust measurements ranging from 89cm to 116cm (35in to 45½in) across the six sizes. Body length (to back neck) ranges from 55cm to 60cm (21½in to 23½in), and sleeve seams measure 45cm to 47cm (17¾in to 18½in). The geometric Fair Isle yoke transitions from the two-colour ribbed details, creating a cohesive design that celebrates traditional British knitting aesthetics while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters exploring Fair Isle for the first time.