Bayeux Tapestry Sweater 2026

Inspired by one of the most evocative scenes in The Bayeux Tapestry, this adult sized hand-knitted sweater pattern brings the drama of Halley’s Comet into a contemporary garment. The design takes its motif from the famous panel in which the appearance of the comet in 1066 is witnessed with alarm at the court of King Harold. The original version of the sweater pattern was first included in Knitting Masterpieces (Ruth Herring and Karen Manners) published in 1987 and this reiteration is now graded as 4 sizes and knitted in DK (Light Worsted) yarn. There's a nod to the original tapestry (which was an embroidery!), with simple embroidery used to create the characterful faces and hands. Size Options A Schematic diagram is included in the pattern to give more detailed sizing, with tips on how to change the length of the sweater. Yarn colours and amounts There are 5 colours used in total as follows based on West Yorkshire Spinners yarns: Main: ColourLab Natural Cream (010) x 4 (4, 5, 6) x 100g balls ColourLab Phantom Black (099) x 1 100g ball Morris Marigold (1287) x 2 (2, 3, 3) 50g balls Morris Pomegranate (1294) x 2 (2, 3, 3) 50g balls Morris Clover (1279) x 1 (1, 2, 2) 50g balls Needles 3.25mm and 4.00mm knitting needles 3.25mm circular needle for neckband Tapestry needle for embroidery Knit process It’s worked from bottom up using stranded colour ribs and the Intarsia technique for the main pattern; in 4 separate pieces: back, front, right sleeve, left sleeve. Each piece has its own chart which is accompanied by written instructions of the cast on and ribbing pattern and giving regular stitch counts as check points. Links to Ruth Herring's K1P1TV Intarsia Technique YouTube demos are included in the pattern. Embroidery Detailed close up pictures of the embroidered areas are included.