Wadsworth Pullover - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Tahki Yarns Whidbey

Wadsworth Pullover - Women's Knitted Jumper

What is Being Made

The Wadsworth Pullover is a classic women's knitted jumper designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This pullover features a comfortable, relaxed fit available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 43 inches to 59 inches and lengths from 20 to 24 inches. The design is suitable for intermediate knitters seeking an accessible yet polished garment project.

Knitting Techniques

This pullover is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat method, meaning the garment pieces are knitted individually from the lower edges upward and then assembled together. This traditional construction approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and straightforward shaping throughout the project. The flat knitting technique on straight needles provides excellent stitch definition and control, particularly important for showcasing the pattern details.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Wadsworth Pullover features a Fancy Rib stitch pattern as its primary design element. The pattern begins with a K2, P2 Rib (knit 2, purl 2 ribbing) worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 edge stitches, creating vertical texture and elasticity. This ribbed foundation is worked for 2 inches at the lower edge, providing structure and shape retention. The Fancy Rib pattern is then continued throughout the body of the garment, offering visual interest while maintaining the fabric's natural stretch and recovery properties.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Tahki Yarns Whidbey, a premium blend fiber composed of 54% cotton, 23% silk, and 23% polyamide. This luxurious yarn composition creates a garment with excellent breathability from the cotton content, subtle sheen and drape from the silk, and enhanced durability and elasticity from the polyamide. The yarn is available in color #207 wildflower. Yardage requirements range from 9 to 13 balls depending on size, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces and 120 yards of yarn, providing approximately 1,080 to 1,560 total yards for the complete project.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires US size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles for the main body pieces, with gauge measured at 16 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in the Fancy Rib pattern. A US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches long is used for working the collar. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for managing live stitches, a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and three buttons measuring ½ inch in diameter for the collar or front closure detail.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner, making it an ideal project for knitters who have mastered fundamental techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping and pattern work. The combination of ribbed stitching, bottom-up construction, and seaming provides valuable experience in creating a finished, wearable garment while remaining accessible to those building their intermediate skills.