Alexandra Slipover - Knitting Pattern For Women in Willow & Lark Heath Solids by Willow & Lark

Alexandra Slipover Knitting Pattern – Willow & Lark Heath Solids Collection

The Alexandra Slipover is a classic, sleeveless pullover designed for women by Willow & Lark as part of their Heath Solids Collection (2021). This elegant and wearable knitting pattern produces a fitted slipover that layers beautifully over shirts, blouses, or long-sleeve tops, making it a versatile wardrobe staple for any season. Rated as a beginner project, the Alexandra Slipover is an ideal choice for those who are new to garment knitting or looking for a straightforward, satisfying make.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a women's sleeveless slipover — a classic vest-style knit worked in a clean, timeless silhouette. The pattern is offered in seven sizes, designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 76–81 cm (30–32 in) up to 137–143 cm (54–56 in), making it an inclusive pattern with a wide range of fits. Finished measurements span a back width of 48 cm (19 in) at the smallest size up to 79 cm (31¼ in) at the largest, with a back neck length ranging from 55 cm (21¾ in) to 67 cm (26½ in) depending on size.

Techniques Used

The Alexandra Slipover is constructed using a seamed, worked-flat approach, meaning the individual pieces — typically a front and a back — are knitted flat on straight needles and then joined together using seaming techniques. This traditional construction method is well-suited to beginner knitters who are building their skills, as it allows each piece to be worked independently before assembly. Seaming also gives the finished garment a structured, polished finish.

• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making the process straightforward and easy to follow for newer knitters.
• Seamed construction: The completed flat pieces are sewn together, a technique that adds durability and shape to the finished slipover.
• Circular needle used for finishing: A 3.25mm (US 3) circular knitting needle is used, likely for picking up and working neckline or armhole edgings, a common finishing technique that creates neat, professional-looking ribbed or garter borders on sleeveless garments.
• Stitch holders: Stitch holders are listed as required tools, indicating that stitches are placed on hold at certain points — typically at the neckline or shoulders — to be returned to the needles later for shaping or finishing.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the body of the Alexandra Slipover is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which is the foundational knit-and-purl combination that creates a smooth, classic fabric on the right side. Stocking stitch is one of the most recognisable and versatile stitches in knitting, producing a neat, flat surface that drapes well and shows off the natural beauty of the yarn. The tension specification confirms this: 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm / 4 in measured over stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Ribbing or another textural stitch is implied for the edgings and neckband, as is typical for slipovers of this style, worked on the finer 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle.

Materials

Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically using Willow & Lark Heath Solids, a DK weight yarn available exclusively at lovecrafts.com. The recommended colourway shown is Smoke Grey 16. The yarn is sold in 50g / 1¾oz balls, and the number of balls required varies by size:

• Size 76–81 cm (30–32 in): 6 balls
• Size 86–92 cm (34–36 in): 7 balls
• Size 97–102 cm (38–40 in): 8 balls
• Size 107–112 cm (42–