Allendale Jumper Knitting Pattern

Allendale Knitted Sweater by Chloe Thurlow

What is Being Made

The Allendale is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Chloe Thurlow and published by Rowan. This pullover garment is available in nine size options, ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches in chest measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished garment features color-blocking created through intarsia knitting, combining multiple yarn colors in a structured pattern across the front and back pieces.

Techniques Used

Intarsia Knitting: The primary decorative technique employed in the Allendale is intarsia, a method of working with multiple colors of yarn simultaneously to create distinct blocks of color within the fabric. Rather than carrying yarn across the back of the work, intarsia uses separate lengths of yarn for each color section, resulting in a flat, single-layer fabric with clean color transitions. This technique is particularly effective for creating bold geometric color patterns without adding bulk to the garment.

Shaping Techniques: The sweater incorporates standard garment shaping methods including armhole shaping and shoulder shaping. The pattern uses decreases and cast-offs at strategic points to create the proper fit and silhouette. The neckband is constructed by picking up stitches from a holder left at the neck opening, allowing for a finished edge that complements the body of the sweater.

Stitches Used

The Allendale is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (stocking stitch), which creates the smooth, flat fabric characteristic of this sweater style. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic V-pattern texture familiar to most knitters. The pattern rows are worked in stockinette while maintaining the intarsia color changes, with the pattern repeat consisting of 20 rows that establish the color-blocking design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Allendale is designed to be knitted using Rowan Tweed Haze, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for three colorways from the Tweed Haze range:

• Yarn A - Rainy (color 552): Required in quantities ranging from 2 to 4 balls depending on the chosen size
• Yarn B - Sunset (color 557): Required in quantities ranging from 1 to 2 balls depending on the chosen size
• Yarn C - Midnight (color 553): Required in quantities ranging from 1 to 2 balls depending on the chosen size

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve the proper gauge and fabric characteristics. A pair of 5½mm needles (US size 9) is used for ribbed edgings and cuffs to create elasticity, while a pair of 6mm needles (US size 10) is used for the main body of the sweater worked in stockinette stitch.

Gauge and Tension

The specified tension for this pattern is 14½ stitches and 20 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over patterned stockinette stitch using the 6mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished garment to match the intended dimensions and fit properly. Knitters should always work a gauge swatch before beginning the main project to ensure their personal knitting tension aligns with the pattern requirements.

Garment Construction

The Allendale is constructed using a traditional sweater building method, with separate back and front pieces that are later joined. The back piece establishes the basic garment shape and serves as the foundation for sizing. The front piece incorporates the intarsia color pattern, with the design created by working specific stitches in different yarn colors according to the pattern instructions. The pattern specifies precise row counts and stitch counts for armhole depth and shoulder shaping across all nine sizes, ensuring consistent proportions throughout the size range.