1191 Lacerta - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Ashfield

1191 Lacerta - Women's V-Neck Cable Knit Jumper

What Is Being Made

The 1191 Lacerta is a versatile V-neck pullover sweater designed by Susan Baron for Valley Yarns. This intermediate-level knitting pattern creates a stylish layering piece suitable for changeable weather. The sweater features a distinctive wavy cable pattern that runs up both the front and back, showcasing the beautiful color and stitch definition of the yarn. Available in sizes XS through 5XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 34½ inches to 64½ inches, this design offers a flattering fit with 2-4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear without excess bulk.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing you to try on the piece as you progress and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: The garment is constructed using flat knitting rather than in-the-round, which means you will be working back and forth on straight or circular needles and seaming pieces together at the end.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together using a tapestry needle, creating clean, professional-looking seams.
• Cable Work: The signature wavy cable twists feature prominently on the front and back panels, adding visual interest and texture to the design.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While the pattern focuses on cable stitches as its primary decorative element, the wavy cable twists require intermediate knitting skills to execute properly. The cables showcase the yarn's excellent stitch definition, making each twist visually distinct. The combination of cable stitches with stockinette stitch background creates a balanced, wearable design that is engaging to knit without being overly complex.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The 1191 Lacerta pattern is specifically designed for Valley Yarns Ashfield, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 67% Fine Merino Wool and 33% Bamboo Viscose. This fiber blend offers softness, breathability, and a subtle sheen. Each hank contains 50 grams and 117 yards of yarn. Depending on your size, you will need between 10 hanks (for size XS) and 23 hanks (for size 5XL). The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Sky Blue, a color that beautifully displays the cable work and stitch definition.

Needles and Gauge

This pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to achieve proper gauge and fit. Use US 7 (4.5 mm) needles in either 24-inch or 32-inch lengths for the main body knitting, or size needed to obtain gauge. A US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle in 24-inch length is used for ribbed edgings. The target gauge is 21 stitches per 4 inches when measured over stockinette stitch using the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the sweater to fit correctly, so taking time to knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning is highly recommended.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, you will need stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping, including one locking stitch marker for marking specific points. Stitch holders are necessary for temporarily holding stitches while you work other sections. A tapestry needle is essential for seaming the finished pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Pattern Summary

The 1191 Lacerta is an excellent intermediate-level project for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle cable work. The bottom-up, flat construction method makes it accessible and adjustable, while the beautiful fiber content and striking cable design create a garment that is both fun to knit and practical to wear. This V-neck pullover serves as a perfect layering piece for transitional seasons, offering warmth without bulk thanks to the breathable merino and bamboo blend.