Sweaters and Hat in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Naturals Aran - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters and Hat in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Naturals Aran by Jenny Watson – Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF pattern by designer Jenny Watson presents Collection Two of her Bluefaced Leicester Aran Collection, described as a set of classic designs offering versatility and fantastic value for money. The collection includes three knitted garment variations plus a knitted helmet hat, all worked in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Naturals Aran yarn. Each variation shares the same core construction but differs in neckline style and sleeve length, allowing knitters to choose a finished garment that suits their personal taste and wardrobe needs.

What Is Being Made

The collection contains the following designs:

• Variation One – Round Neck Sweater with Short Sleeves: A classic, relaxed sweater featuring a neat round neckline and short sleeves, ideal for layering or warmer-weather wear.
• Variation Two – Round Neck Sweater with Long Sleeves: The same round neck silhouette extended with full-length sleeves for a more traditional, year-round jumper.
• Variation Three – Polo Neck Sweater: A cosy, close-fitting polo neck version of the sweater, perfect for colder months and a timeless wardrobe staple.
• Helmet Hat: A snug, close-fitting knitted helmet designed to fit an average ladies' head size, coordinating beautifully with all three sweater variations.

Together, these four designs form a cohesive, wearable collection that can be mixed and matched across the three natural colourways available in the West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Naturals Aran range.

Sizing and Fit

The sweater patterns are graded across five sizes, designed to fit bust measurements of 71–76 cm (28–30 in) through to 112–117 cm (44–46 in). Actual finished measurements range from 91 cm (36 in) to 132 cm (52 in), providing a comfortable, classic fit. Full body length runs approximately 51–59 cm (20–23¼ in) depending on size, with long sleeve lengths of approximately 42–48 cm (16½–19 in) and short sleeves of a consistent 10 cm (4 in) across all sizes. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes given in square brackets throughout.

Techniques Used

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting but ready to develop their skills further. The construction involves standard flat knitting of individual garment pieces — front, back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key techniques include:

• Cable knitting – The pattern features a prominent cable panel measuring approximately 12 cm (4¾ in) across 29 stitches. Cables are a classic Aran technique in which stitches are crossed over one another using a cable needle to create a twisted, rope-like or lattice effect. This adds beautiful texture and visual interest to the garment fronts.
• Ribbing – 2x2 rib is used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands, providing stretch and a neat, professional finish at the garment edges.
• Stocking stitch – Used across body and sleeve sections, creating a smooth knitted fabric on the right side.
• Garter stitch – Featured as a background or panel stitch within the design, adding texture and body to the fabric.
• Increasing – The M1 (Make One) increase method is used for shaping, worked by picking up the loop between stitches and knitting into the back of it to avoid a hole.
• Cable crossings – Two specific cable techniques are used: C8B (cable 8 back, crossing four stitches behind four stitches to create a right-leaning twist) and C8F (cable 8 front, crossing four stitches in front of four stitches to create a left-leaning twist). Both are worked using a cable needle.

Stitches Used