Yew

Yew Sweater by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Yew is a knitted sweater designed by Marie Wallin as part of the Wildwood collection. This advanced-level pullover is available in five sizes ranging from small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through to XXL (to fit bust 122-127 cm / 48-50 in). The garment features a structured body panel measuring 43 cm in length and coordinating sleeve panels measuring 17 cm, creating a refined, fitted silhouette suitable for experienced knitters.

Techniques Used

This design employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that require careful attention and skill. Cable work is a primary feature, with cables created using a cable needle to manipulate stitches and create textured, twisted columns. The pattern uses twisted stitches (abbreviated as Tw2R), which involve knitting into stitches in a non-standard order to create subtle texture and visual interest. The sweater is constructed using charted patterning, where knitters follow a visual chart to execute the body design. Reverse stockinette stitch forms the foundation fabric, creating a subtle, recessed background that allows the cable and pattern work to stand out prominently. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases (K2tog), with the body panel decreasing from 148 stitches to 146 stitches during construction.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch and Reverse Stockinette Stitch (rev st st): The primary fabric base, with reverse stockinette creating texture
• Garter Stitch (K and P alternation): Used in edge sections for stability and definition
• Cable Stitches (C4B): Slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle, creating the characteristic twisted rope effect
• Twisted Knit Stitches (Tw2R): K2tog leaving stitches on left needle, then knit the first stitch again before slipping both stitches off, creating a refined twisted effect
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A decrease stitch used for shaping throughout the garment

Materials and Specifications

Yew is designed to be worked in 4-ply yarn weight, a lightweight yet durable yarn that creates refined stitch definition ideal for showcasing cable and pattern work. The pattern calls for British Breeds yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: 16 x 25gm balls for the smallest size through to 25 x 25gm balls for the largest size. The garment is photographed in the colorway Lime Flower, which provides excellent contrast for viewing the cable and twisted stitch details.

Needles required include 2¾mm (US 2) needles and 3¼mm (US 3) needles, along with a cable needle for managing cable stitches. Working tension is established at 36 rows to 10 cm measured over reverse stockinette stitch using the larger 3¼mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and garment fit.

Design Complexity

Classified as an advanced difficulty project, Yew is best suited to experienced knitters who are comfortable reading charted patterns, working cables, and executing twisted stitches with precision. The combination of cable work, pattern charts, and fitted shaping requires sustained concentration and strong foundational knitting skills.