Apple Blossom Sweater in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Solids Aran - Downloadable PDF

Apple Blossom Sweater – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Apple Blossom Jumper is a striking Fair Isle sweater designed by Emma Wright and knitted in West Yorkshire Spinners Bluefaced Leicester Aran yarn. Described as a statement piece, it combines a rich autumnal colour palette with classic construction details, making it a standout addition to any handknitted wardrobe. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with colourwork and basic shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pullover jumper (sweater) worked in a traditional Fair Isle colourwork style using four colours of Aran weight yarn. The finished garment features a yoke construction, set-in sleeves, a double rib hem and neckband, and distinctive contrast colour cuffs that give the design its unique finishing touch. The sweater is worked in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, with the yoke shaped using stitch holders.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern is written to fit a range of chest sizes:

• To fit chest: 76/81 cm, 86/91 cm, 96/101 cm, 106/112 cm, and 116/122 cm (approximately 30/32 in through 46/48 in)
• Actual chest measurement: 85 cm, 95 cm, 105 cm, 115 cm, and 125 cm (33.5 in through 49 in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit
• Sleeve seam: ranges from 43 cm to 53.5 cm (17 in to 21 in) depending on size

The model wears the first size, with a to-fit chest of 76/81 cm and an actual chest of 85 cm.

Techniques Used

The Apple Blossom Jumper brings together several knitting techniques that make it an engaging project for an intermediate knitter:

• Fair Isle colourwork – The body and yoke feature multi-colour stranded colourwork worked from three separate charts (Chart A, Chart B, and Chart C), each with its own colour key. Fair Isle knitting involves carrying two or more yarn colours across a row, creating intricate repeating motifs. This technique requires attention to yarn tension to keep the fabric flat and even.
• Double rib (2x2 rib) – The hem, cuffs, and neckband are worked in a classic k2, p2 rib pattern, which provides elasticity and a neat, structured finish.
• Stocking stitch – The main body fabric between colourwork sections is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), creating a smooth, classic jersey background.
• Increasing and decreasing – Sleeve shaping is achieved through regular increases at each end of the work. Decreases are worked using k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) to create neat, directional shaping.
• Working with stitch holders – Stitches for the yoke are placed on holders and rejoined later, a technique common in traditional sweater construction that keeps live stitches safe during assembly.
• Circular and flat knitting – The pattern makes use of both straight and circular needles, with circular needles used for certain sections such as the neckband and yoke.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) – the foundational stitches used throughout
• k2, p2 rib – used for the hem, cuffs, and neckband
• Stocking stitch – the primary background fabric
• k2tog – a right-leaning decrease worked by knitting two stitches together
• ssk – a left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches knit