Dahlia Sweater in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Solids DK - Downloadable PDF

Dahlia Sweater Knitting Pattern by Emma Wright – West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester DK

The Dahlia Sweater (also referred to as the Dahlia Jumper) is a ladies' pullover knitting pattern designed by Emma Wright, available as a downloadable PDF. This intermediate-level knit is worked in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester DK yarn and showcases a beautifully feminine silhouette through a combination of classic ribbing and a central textured stitch pattern. It is an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and want to explore more visually interesting stitch combinations without venturing into highly complex territory.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a lady-like, fitted pullover jumper with set-in or shaped sleeves, a ribbed hem, ribbed cuffs, and a ribbed neckband. The overall silhouette is described as lady-like, suggesting a gently shaped body that flatters the figure. The sweater is designed for women and is offered across five size ranges, making it accessible to a wide range of body measurements.

• Chest sizes (to fit): 81/86 cm, 91/96 cm, 101/106 cm, 112/117 cm, and 122 cm (approximately 32/34 in through 48 in)
• Actual chest measurements: 86 cm, 96 cm, 106 cm, 117 cm, and 124 cm (34 in through 48.75 in)
• Length: 56 cm to 69 cm (22 in to 27.25 in) depending on size
• Sleeve seam: 43 cm to 53.5 cm (17 in to 21 in) depending on size

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The defining feature of the Dahlia Jumper is its mini chevron rib pattern, which forms the main body fabric of the sweater. This stitch creates a subtle, repeating zigzag or wave effect within a ribbed structure, giving the fabric both visual interest and a degree of elasticity. The chevron rib adds texture and movement to what might otherwise be a straightforward knit, elevating the design beyond a basic stockinette jumper.

Framing the mini chevron rib is a classic rib edging applied to the hem, cuffs, and neckband. Traditional ribbing — worked by alternating knit and purl stitches across the row — creates neat, stretchy borders that help the garment retain its shape at the edges and ensure a comfortable, secure fit around the body, wrists, and neck.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the foundational knitting stitch used throughout
• Purl (p) – worked in combination with knit stitches to create ribbing and the chevron rib texture
• Mini chevron rib – the primary stitch pattern forming the body of the sweater, creating a delicate wave or zigzag effect within a ribbed fabric
• Classic rib – used for the hem, cuffs, and neckband to provide neat, stretchy finishing edges

The pattern also involves standard garment construction techniques including casting off for armhole and shoulder shaping, use of stitch holders to hold stitches while working other sections, and shaping through decreases. These techniques are typical of intermediate-level sweater construction and give the finished garment its tailored appearance.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern is specifically written for West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester DK yarn in the shade Coral. Bluefaced Leicester is a premium British wool known for its soft handle, subtle lustre, and excellent stitch definition — qualities that make it particularly well suited to textured stitch patterns like the mini chevron rib used here. The DK weight provides a balanced fabric that is neither too heavy nor too light for a wearable everyday sweater.

• Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester DK, shade Coral
• Yarn