Abstract Embroidery Jumper - Jumper Knitting Pattern For Women in Willow & Lark Ramble by Willow & Lark

Abstract Embroidery Jumper – Cropped Knitted Jumper Pattern for Women by Willow & Lark

The Abstract Embroidery Jumper is a cropped, embellished pullover from the Impressionists Collection by Willow & Lark, released in 2020. Designed to be worked in Willow & Lark Ramble yarn held double, this pattern produces a relaxed, textural jumper decorated with hand-embroidered abstract motifs that give it a painterly, artistic character. It is an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and want to explore simple decorative embroidery as a finishing technique.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a cropped women's jumper with set-in or straight sleeves. The finished garment is intentionally short in body length — ranging from approximately 45 cm to 49 cm (17¾ in to 19¼ in) depending on size — making it well suited to high-waisted trousers, skirts, or layering over longer tops. The jumper has a generous, relaxed fit with actual bust measurements ranging from 95 cm to 137 cm (37½ in to 54 in) across five sizes, designed to fit busts of 81–127 cm (32–50 in). Sleeve length ranges from 45 cm to 47 cm (17¾ in to 18½ in).

The defining design feature is the abstract embroidery applied to the finished knitted fabric. Drawing inspiration from Impressionist art, the embroidery uses contrasting yarn colours to create loose, expressive motifs reminiscent of brushstrokes or floral forms. This post-knitting embellishment transforms a straightforward stocking stitch base into a statement piece.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The jumper is knitted from the cast-on edge upward toward the shoulders, which is the most traditional and widely understood approach to sweater construction. This allows knitters to try on the piece as they go and make length adjustments with ease.
• Worked flat: The body and sleeves are knitted back and forth in rows on straight or circular needles, producing separate flat panels rather than knitting in the round.
• Seamed finishing: The individual flat pieces — front, back, and sleeves — are joined together using seaming techniques such as mattress stitch. Seamed construction gives the finished garment structure and durability.
• Embroidery on knitting: Once the knitted pieces are assembled, decorative embroidery is worked directly onto the fabric using contrast-coloured yarn. This technique, sometimes called Swiss darning or freeform embroidery on knit, allows for expressive, abstract designs without requiring complex colourwork during the knitting itself.
• Yarn held double: Throughout the pattern, the main yarn is held as two strands together, which creates a denser, warmer fabric and allows the DK-weight yarn to knit up on larger 6.00 mm needles at a chunkier gauge.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette): The primary stitch pattern used for the body and sleeves. Worked flat, this means alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic knitted fabric that serves as an ideal canvas for embroidery.
• Rib stitch: Typically used at cuffs, hems, and necklines in jumper construction to provide stretch and a neat, fitted edge. The pattern's neckline finishing is worked using a circular needle or double-pointed needles, suggesting a ribbed or simple edging treatment around the collar.

Materials

Yarn – Willow & Lark Ramble

Willow & Lark Ramble is a 100% Wool DK weight yarn, sold in 50 g (1¾ oz) balls. It is used throughout this pattern — both for the knitted fabric (held double) and for the embroidery (used as a single strand in contrast colours). The pattern calls for four colourways:

• Dove 137 (MC – Main Colour): 12–14 balls depending on size, used for the entire knitted body and sleeves.
• Snow Drop 101 (A)