Kingsley

Kingsley Sweater by Jennifer Wood

What Is Being Made

Kingsley is a top-down, A-line rounded yoke sweater designed by Jennifer Wood. This knitted pullover features a fitted yoke that gradually increases to create an elegant A-line silhouette through the body. The sweater is available in 11 sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 31.5 inches (79 cm) to 61.25 inches (153 cm), making it suitable for a wide range of body sizes. The modeled size is 34.75 inches (87 cm) with no ease at the bust.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Kingsley is constructed using the top-down method, beginning at the neckline and working downward. This construction technique allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you knit. The sweater features a rounded yoke, which is a classic design element that provides comfortable shoulder fit and elegant shaping. The yoke transitions into an A-line body, meaning the sweater gradually widens from the underarm down to the hem, creating a flattering silhouette.

The neckband is worked on smaller needles than the body, a standard technique that creates a neat, finished edge at the neckline. Circular needles are used for the majority of the construction, with double-pointed needles employed for working in the round during the yoke shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in Kingsley is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side. The gauge for this sweater is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch, which is typical for DK-weight yarn and ensures proper fabric drape and garment fit.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Kingsley is designed to be knitted with Anzula Cricket, a premium blend yarn composed of 80% merino wool, 10% nylon, and 10% cashmere. This fiber combination provides softness from the merino wool and cashmere while the nylon adds durability and elasticity. Anzula Cricket yields 250 yards (228 meters) per 114-gram skein. The yarn is classified as DK weight, which is a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating garments with good stitch definition and drape.

Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 915 yards (835 meters) across 4 skeins, while the largest size requires 2000 yards (1825 meters) across 8 skeins. The color used in the pattern is Frankie.

Needles: The pattern calls for US Size 4 (3.5mm) circular needles in both 16-inch (40 cm) and 24-inch (60 cm) lengths, or longer, for working the body and yoke. A set of 4 or 5 double-pointed needles in the same size is used for working in the round during yoke shaping. US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles in 16-inch (40 cm) length are used for the neckband, typically one size smaller than the body needles to create a snug, finished edge.

Additional Notions: The pattern requires stitch markers for tracking increases and pattern repeats, a cable needle for any cable work, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Difficulty Level

Kingsley is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. While the construction method of top-down knitting is accessible to knitters with some experience, the combination of working in the round, managing increases for the A-line shaping, and maintaining Stockinette Stitch gauge throughout requires solid foundational skills. Intermediate knitters will be comfortable with the techniques involved and should expect a moderately challenging but achievable project.