Fern Cable and Bobble Top in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Solids Aran - Downloadable PDF

Fern Cable and Bobble Top by Emma Wright – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Fern Cable and Bobble Top is an original knitting design by Emma Wright, published as a downloadable PDF pattern. It is worked in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Solids Aran weight yarn and is rated as an intermediate level project, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with cables, bobbles, and shaping techniques and are ready to take on a more textural, statement piece.

About the Design

The Fern Cable and Bobble Top is a boxy, cropped knitted top that showcases a striking wave and bobble cable panel as its central design feature. The relaxed, boxy silhouette transitions naturally into a ribbed boat neck, creating an interesting and cohesive design detail that ties the garment together. The pattern is designed to be adaptable, with guidance provided so that knitters can adjust the fit and length to suit their personal style and measurements.

The overall aesthetic is modern and textural — the bold cable panel draws the eye immediately, while the clean, boxy shape keeps the silhouette contemporary and wearable. The cropped length and wide neckline make it a versatile layering piece or a standalone top for warmer months.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern is written across eight sizes, accommodating a wide range of body measurements:

• Chest (to fit): 81, 86, 91, 96, 101, 106, 112, 117 cm (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 in)
• Actual chest measurement: 86, 91, 96, 101, 105, 111, 116, 120 cm (34, 36, 37.75, 39.75, 41.25, 43.75, 45.5, 47.25 in)
• Length: 51, 53, 56, 58, 61, 63, 66, 70 cm (20, 21, 22, 22.75, 24, 25, 26, 27.5 in)
• Sleeve seam: 20 cm (8 in) across all sizes

The model wears the 1st size, with a 81 cm / 32 in chest and an actual garment measurement of 86 cm / 34 in, reflecting a relaxed ease built into the design. The pattern notes that it can be adjusted for a perfect personal fit, giving knitters flexibility beyond the stated sizes.

Techniques Used

This is a construction-focused intermediate knitting pattern that incorporates a range of techniques. Knitters will work flat pieces that are seamed together, requiring familiarity with reading both right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) rows. Key techniques include:

• Cable knitting using a cable needle, including travelling stitches and a repeating 12-row cable pattern
• Bobble construction, worked in a specific sequence of increases, short rows, and decreases
• Ribbing, used at the boat neck to create a neat, structured finish
• Reverse stocking stitch as a background texture to set off the cable panel
• Shaping using decreases and increases throughout
• Seaming to join the front, back, and sleeves
• Use of stitch holders to hold live stitches during construction

Stitches Used

The Fern Cable and Bobble Top draws on a rich vocabulary of knitting stitches and techniques. The following are used throughout the pattern:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) — the foundational stitches used throughout
• Stocking stitch — used for the main body fabric, with a stated tension of 18 sts × 24 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch
• Reverse stocking stitch (rev st st) — used as a background to the cable panel, giving the cables