1265 - Snapdragon - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Hampden by Valley Yarns

Snapdragon Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women

About This Design

The Snapdragon is an elegant women's jumper designed by Julie Turjoman, created for festive occasions and holiday celebrations. This intermediate-level knitting pattern features a luxurious fiber blend and sophisticated construction techniques, making it an ideal choice for crafters seeking a refined, wearable garment with contemporary styling.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a waist-length boxy jumper with all-over lace detailing and full-length dolman sleeves. The design is intended to be worn over a camisole for modesty, offering versatility for layering. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 33½" to 61½", the jumper is designed to be worn with 4–6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This jumper is worked flat in pieces and seamed together, a traditional construction approach that allows for precise shaping and easier pattern work. The seamed construction method provides excellent structure and is particularly well-suited to the lace pattern featured throughout the garment. The dolman sleeve style—characterized by its elegant, flowing proportions that extend from the neckline—requires careful shaping during the seaming process to achieve the intended silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Snapdragon features cable and lace stitches as primary stitch elements. The all-over lace pattern creates an openwork texture that adds visual interest and sophistication to the design, while cable details provide structural definition and textural contrast. Ribbing is incorporated at the cuffs and hem for a finished, tailored appearance and to provide elasticity that helps the garment maintain its shape during wear and washing.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Valley Yarns Hampden, a premium yarn blend consisting of 50% Baby Alpaca, 35% Fine Merino Wool, and 15% Mulberry Silk. Each hank contains 50 grams and yields 95 yards. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a versatile weight that creates a fabric with excellent drape—ideal for lace patterns and the flowing dolman sleeves. Yarn requirements range from 9 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 22 hanks for the largest size (4XL). The pattern shown is worked in the Burgundy colorway (shade 07).

Needles and Tools

• Size 6 (4.00 mm) circular needles: 32–40 inches long for main body work, and 16 inches long for smaller circumferences
• Size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles: 24 inches and 32–40 inches long for all ribbing sections, and 16 inches long or double-pointed needles for ribbed cuffs and edges

Needle selection should be based on achieving the correct gauge as specified in the pattern. The use of multiple needle sizes allows for proper tension in both the lace body and the ribbed edgings.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working lace stitches, managing multiple needle sizes, and executing seamed construction. The combination of lace patterning and cable work requires attention to stitch accuracy and pattern reading, making it an excellent project for developing advanced knitting techniques.