Jemima Sweater - Jumper Knitting Pattern For Women in Willow & Lark Strath by Willow & Lark

Jemima Sweater – Cable Raglan Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Jemima Sweater is a women's cable raglan jumper designed by Willow and Lark as part of their Strath Collection. This knitted sweater features prominent cable detailing and is constructed using a classic raglan sleeve construction, where the sleeves are seamlessly integrated into the body with diagonal shaping from the underarm to the neckline. The pattern is available in eight sizes, ranging from 76–81 cm (30–32 in) to 137–142 cm (54–56 in) chest measurements, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting pattern employs several key construction techniques:

• Cables: Cable stitches are a central design feature of the Jemima Sweater, creating textured, twisted rope-like patterns across the garment for visual interest and dimension.
• Worked Flat: The sweater is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning pieces are created as flat panels that are later joined together.
• Seamed Construction: Individual knitted pieces—front, back, and sleeves—are sewn together using seaming techniques to create the finished garment. This approach allows for precise shaping and professional finishing.
• Raglan Shaping: The raglan sleeve design features diagonal decreases that create a seamless visual line from the cuff to the neckline, a hallmark of advanced knitting construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used in the Jemima Sweater is mistake rib, which serves as the base fabric for the garment. Mistake rib is a textured stitch pattern that creates a subtle, forgiving fabric with visual interest. Cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design to create the sweater's distinctive textured motifs.

Materials and Tools

The Jemima Sweater is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Strath yarn in the Buttermilk 02 colorway. Strath is a chunky-weight yarn supplied in 100g (3½ oz) balls. The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 10 balls for the smallest size (76–81 cm chest) to 16 balls for the largest size (137–142 cm chest).

Knitting needles required are:

• Pair of 5mm (US 8) knitting needles
• Pair of 6mm (US 10) knitting needles

Additional tools needed include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction. The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 21 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over mistake rib using 6mm (US 10) needles, ensuring proper fit and garment proportions.

Finished Measurements

The sweater's finished dimensions are provided across all eight sizes. Width across the back ranges from 53 cm (21 in) for the smallest size to 84.5 cm (33¼ in) for the largest. Length to the back neck ranges from 66 cm (26 in) to 78 cm (30¾ in), while sleeve length varies from 44 cm (17¼ in) to 47 cm (18½ in) depending on size.