Isla Longline Cardigan in West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Shetland Tweed - DBP0063 - Downloadable PDF

Isla Longline Cardigan by Sarah Hatton – Pattern Summary

The Isla Longline Cardigan is a beautifully crafted knitting pattern designed by Sarah Hatton and published by West Yorkshire Spinners. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with core techniques and ready to take on a more substantial, rewarding garment. The longline silhouette gives this cardigan a relaxed yet elegant drape, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for layering across seasons.

About the Garment

The Isla Longline Cardigan is a full-length, open-front or buttoned cardigan designed with a classic, timeless aesthetic. The longline cut extends the body well below the hip, creating a flattering and contemporary silhouette that pairs beautifully with both casual and smart outfits. As a design by Sarah Hatton, the pattern reflects her signature approach to wearable, elegant knitwear with clean lines and thoughtful construction.

Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Shetland Tweed

This pattern is specifically written for West Yorkshire Spinners The Croft Shetland Tweed, an aran weight yarn spun from 100% Shetland wool. Each hank contains 166 metres (182 yards) and weighs 100g. The Croft Shetland Tweed is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Shetland Islands, where the tradition of crofting — a rural agricultural practice integral to the landscape, cultural heritage, and social economy of the islands — has shaped the way wool is reared and collected for generations. This connection to place gives the yarn a genuine provenance and character that is reflected in its texture and warmth.

As a 100% wool yarn, The Croft Shetland Tweed offers excellent stitch definition, natural elasticity, and the characteristic warmth associated with Shetland fleece. The tweed flecks woven through the yarn add subtle visual interest and texture, enhancing the finished look of the cardigan without requiring complex stitch patterning to achieve a rich, artisanal appearance.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for 5mm needles (US size 8) throughout. Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished garment. The stated tension is 18 stitches over 10cm / 4 inches in stocking stitch using 5mm needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to reshape whilst damp during blocking. The yarn must not be tumble dried, in keeping with standard care guidelines for 100% wool fibres.

Techniques and Stitches

As an intermediate-level knitting pattern, the Isla Longline Cardigan draws on a range of well-established knitting techniques. Knitters working on this project can expect to use:

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface that showcases the tweed character of the yarn
• Rib stitch – typically used for cuffs, hem bands, and button bands to provide elasticity and a neat, structured finish
• Shaping techniques – including increases and decreases to create the longline silhouette, sleeve shaping, and neckline construction
• Seaming and finishing – joining knitted panels using mattress stitch or similar methods to produce a clean, professional finish
• Picking up stitches – along front bands and necklines, a standard technique for intermediate knitters working garments in pieces

The use of aran weight yarn on 5mm needles means the fabric knits up at a satisfying pace, making this longline cardigan a manageable project despite its generous length. The combination of yarn weight and needle size produces a fabric with excellent drape and structure — qualities that are particularly well suited to a longline cardigan design.

Pattern Credits and Format

The Isla Longline Cardigan pattern was designed by Sarah Hatton, with pattern checking carried out