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OLD-SCHOOL JUMPER
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There are many variations of the v-neck jumper. This one was inspired by its original heritage. 


Designed initially for activewear, the ‘v’ shaped neckline evolved as a deviation from the round neck openings of earlier sweaters. One reason for this was comfort of movement: The pointed dip at 
the front made it possible to move the head, neck, and shoulders more freely. 
And perhaps just as importantly, it allowed to display institutional affiliation, via a necktie, cravat, or neckerchief. The relatively shallow depth of the ‘v’ was thus carefully calculated, to be sufficiently open 
for these purposes, yet also sufficiently closed so as to keep the neck and upper chest warm.



These factors made the v-neck design popular for a variety of sporting pursuits, including golf, tennis, 
and equestrian sports. And they are also what made the design an essential part of school uniforms 
across Northern Europe.

As fashions evolve and necklines grow ever more varied in shape, the original shallow v-neck remains
 iconic and valued for its versatility. You can wear it over a button-down shirt, over a turtleneck, over a baselayer, or on its own. You can wear it casually, or in a more formal setting under a blazer. 
 It is the old-school choice. And this pattern can help you make it.

…
Note there are two versions of this pattern included with your purchase: an adult version designed for casual wear, and separately, a child/ teen version (Geansaí Scoile) designed specifically to satisfy the school uniform requirement in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Info about the latter version is at the end.

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION

SIZING
Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
measures as follows around chest circumference:


90cm/ 36” (100cm/ 40”, 110cm/ 44”, 120cm/ 48”, 130cm/ 52”, 140cm/ 56”, 150cm/ 60”, 160cm/ 64”)


GAUGE

20 sts x 27 rounds/ rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4”
in stockinette, for main fabric 




NEEDLES

4mm in diameter, or as needed to meet gauge

YARN

suitable for DK-weight yarns
approximately 200m per 100g

project requires approximately

450g (500g, 550g, 600g, 650g, 700g, 750g, 800g)
sample shown in Woolly Mammoth Fibre Works Nest

NOTIONS

stitch markers, measuring tape, tapestry needle, scrap yarn



SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

short rows, 3-needle bind off, 
picking up stitches along selvage edge


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GEANSAÍ SCOILE
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In Ireland, the densely knit v-neck jumper has long been an iconic part of the school uniform. Once 
lovingly hand-knitted, today these garments are mass-manufactured out of synthetic fibres. So when my daughter started school three years ago in our small 
 Donegal town, I took matters into my own hands. 



As part of my quest, I carefully researched the specs required for a ‘proper,’ standard issue school 
jumper in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, right down to the tailoring, and to the fabric 
density needed to accept a machine-embroidered school crest. Happily, my mission proved successful! 
I have been knitting my own school jumpers ever since, and now, with this pattern, so can you.



Whether you are committed to natural fibres, or simply would love to add a personal touch to your 
child’s uniform - this pattern will help you create an authentic, durable, comfortable jumper - 
simultaneously bespoke and school-approved.

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION

SIZING
Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
recommended for 
ages
4-5 (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17, 18+)

measures as follows around chest circumference:

70cm/ 28” (76cm/ 30.5”, 83cm/ 33”, 89cm/ 35.5”, 95cm/ 38”, 101cm/ 40.5”, 107cm/ 43”, 112cm/ 44.75”)




GAUGE
26 sts x 34 rounds/ rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4”
in stockinette, for main fabric 




NEEDLES

2.5mm in diameter, or as needed to meet gauge

YARN

suitable for DK-weight yarns
approximately 200m per 100g

project requires approximately
250g (300g, 350g, 400g, 450g, 500g, 550g, 600g)
sample shown in West Yorkshire Spinners Colour Lab

NOTIONS

stitch markers, measuring tape, tapestry needle, scrap yarn



SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

short rows, 3-needle bind off, 
picking up stitches along selvage edge