Kells

Kells Sweater by Judy Furlong

What is Being Made

The Kells is a pullover sweater designed by Judy Furlong, originally published in Knitting Magazine Issue 18 (November 2005). This garment features decorative Celtic Plait and Moss Stitch panels on the front, creating a sophisticated textured design. The sweater is available in six sizes to suit chest measurements from 86-91cm (34-36 inches) up to 137-142cm (54-56 inches), with finished measurements ranging from 102cm to 152cm.

Construction Techniques

The Kells sweater employs a hybrid construction method that combines efficiency with design flexibility. The body is knitted in the round to the armholes, which creates seamless fabric and allows for continuous stitch pattern work across the front and back. At the armhole level, the piece is divided to allow separate shaping of the front and back sections. The neck edging is knitted integrally with the fronts, meaning the neckline is completed as part of the main knitting rather than picked up and worked separately afterward.

The sleeves are worked using a traditional set-in sleeve method: stitches are picked up around the armholes and then knitted in the round from the armpit to the cuff. This approach minimizes seaming while maintaining classic sleeve shaping.

For knitters who prefer flat knitting, outline instructions are included as an alternative to the in-the-round method, making this pattern accessible to those with different equipment or preferences.

Stitches Used

• Celtic Plait – a decorative cable or textured stitch pattern that forms the primary design element on the front panels, creating the characteristic Celtic-inspired visual interest
• Moss Stitch – a small textured stitch worked on the front panels alongside the Celtic Plait, adding depth and visual contrast
• Stocking Stitch – the primary stitch used for the sleeves, providing a smooth, classic fabric that contrasts with the textured front panels

Materials and Yarn

The Kells sweater is designed for sport weight yarn, which is a lightweight to medium yarn suitable for creating refined, wearable garments with good drape and definition of stitch patterns. The original yarn used in the photographed sample was British Breed Yarn Guernsey 5ply by R.E. Dickie, a traditional British yarn choice that reflects the Celtic heritage of the design.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, reflecting the combination of techniques required: circular knitting, stitch pattern work (Celtic Plait and Moss Stitch), set-in sleeve construction, and the ability to manage multiple sections. Knitters should be comfortable with reading stitch patterns, managing stitches on circular needles, and understanding basic garment shaping before attempting this design.