1276 - Heather - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Westfield by Valley Yarns

1276 Heather – Women's Cable Knit Jumper by Julie Turjoman

What Is Being Made

The Heather is an unisex pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This is a timeless, updated classic jumper featuring intricate cable work across the front, back, and sleeves. The garment is worked in separate pieces and seamed together, making it an ideal project for experienced knitters who want to create a sophisticated, three-dimensional textured piece. The finished sweater offers a relaxed fit with 6–8 inches of positive ease, and sizes range from XS through 5XL to accommodate various body types.

Techniques Used

The Heather employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its advanced skill level and striking visual appeal:

• Cable knitting: Intricate cables are worked throughout the front, back, and sleeves, creating the signature three-dimensional texture and visual interest that defines this design. The cable work adds plushness and depth to the piece.
• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as they progress and adjust length as needed.
• Worked flat: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, giving knitters more control over shaping and cable placement.
• Seamed assembly: Once all pieces are complete, they are seamed together to create the finished garment. This method provides clean, professional-looking seams and allows for precise finishing.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While the pattern documentation focuses on the cable work as the primary design element, the Heather relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable techniques. The cables themselves are created using cable stitches—a technique where groups of stitches are crossed over one another to form twisted, rope-like patterns. The soft hand and excellent stitch definition of Valley Yarns Westfield yarn ensures that these cable stitches are clearly visible and beautifully defined, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the finished piece.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Heather is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Westfield, a DK-weight yarn with a luxurious fiber blend of 60% Fine Merino Wool, 20% Yak, and 20% Silk. Each ball contains 50 grams and yields 120 yards. Yarn requirements vary by size: XS through XL require 15–23 balls, while the larger sizes (2XL through 5XL) require 24–27 balls. The pattern features the color Denim (color #114), which provides a neutral backdrop that allows the cable texture to take center stage. The combination of merino wool, yak, and silk creates a soft, plush hand while maintaining excellent stitch definition—essential qualities for showcasing intricate cable work.

Needles: The pattern calls for US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles (dpn) for working smaller circumferences. A smaller needle size, US size 4 (3.50 mm), is also required in 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32–40-inch circular needle lengths, plus dpn. These needle sizes work together to create proper gauge and manage the cable stitches effectively. Knitters should use the needle size that allows them to achieve the pattern's specified gauge.

Finished Measurements and Fit

The Heather is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL. Finished chest measurements span from 38½ inches (XS) to 71 inches (5XL), accommodating a wide range of body sizes. The sweater is designed with 6–8 inches of positive ease, creating a relaxed, comfortable fit. For those preferring a closer, more fitted silhouette, the pattern recommends working one size smaller than usual.

Skill Level

Rated as an Experienced or Advanced project, the Heather is best suited for knitters with solid foundational skills and prior experience working with cables. The combination of intricate cable patterns across multiple pieces, seaming techniques, and the need to maintain consistent gauge throughout a large garment makes this an ideal choice for knitters ready to tackle a challenging, rewarding project.