Eddie Jumper - Knitting Pattern for Boys & Girls in Willow & Lark Poetry

Eddie Jumper – Cable Knitting Pattern for Boys & Girls by Willow & Lark

The Eddie Jumper is a charming children's cable knitting pattern designed by Willow & Lark, released in 2023 and worked in their signature Poetry DK yarn. This classic pullover jumper is designed to fit children aged 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, and 8–9 years, with finished chest measurements ranging from 63 cm to 77 cm (approximately 24¾ to 30¼ inches). The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for experienced knitters who are confident working cables and managing multiple yarn colours across flat, seamed construction.

Design Overview

The Eddie Jumper is a structured, seamed children's sweater featuring bold cable panels combined with cheerful stripes, creating a design that is both timeless and playful. The combination of textured cabling and colourwork stripes gives the garment visual depth and tactile interest, making it suitable for both boys and girls. The finished jumper has a classic silhouette with set-in or straight sleeves and a neat neckline, ideal for everyday wear or smarter occasions.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

• To fit age: 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, and 8–9 years
• To fit chest: 56, 61, 66, and 71 cm (22, 24, 26, and 28 inches)
• Finished chest: 63, 67, 72, and 77 cm (24¾, 26½, 28¼, and 30¼ inches)
• Length to shoulder: 40, 45, 49, and 53 cm (15¾, 17¾, 19¼, and 20¾ inches)
• Sleeve seam: 23, 27, 31, and 35 cm (9, 10½, 12¼, and 13¾ inches)

Techniques Used

The Eddie Jumper employs several classic knitting techniques that combine to produce a polished, professional result. Knitters working this pattern should be comfortable with the following:

Cables

Cable knitting is the centrepiece technique of the Eddie Jumper. Cables are created by temporarily placing a set of stitches onto a cable needle, holding them either to the front or the back of the work, knitting the next stitches from the main needle, and then knitting the held stitches. This crossing action produces the characteristic twisted rope or braid effect. Cables add both texture and structure to a knitted fabric, and they are typically worked against a contrasting background stitch — in this pattern, reverse stocking stitch — which makes the raised cable panels stand out dramatically.

Stripes

The pattern incorporates colourwork stripes worked by changing yarn colour at the beginning of rows. Because the jumper is worked flat, yarn can be carried up the side of the work or cut and rejoined as needed. The striped sections introduce colour rhythm and contrast to the cable texture, giving the Eddie Jumper its distinctive, eye-catching character.

Worked Flat (Seamed Construction)

The Eddie Jumper is worked flat, meaning each piece — the front, back, and sleeves — is knitted back and forth in rows on straight needles rather than in the round. The individual pieces are then seamed together using mattress stitch or a preferred seaming method. This construction technique produces neat, stable seams that add durability to a children's garment, which must withstand frequent washing and active wear.

Stitches Used

• Reverse stocking stitch – the main background fabric, formed by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, creating a textured, bumpy surface that sets off the cable panels beautifully
• Cable stitches – worked over defined stitch counts using a cable needle to create crossed panels
• Rib stitch – typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide elasticity and a neat finish (standard in garments of this type with this construction)