Astra Jumper Knitting Pattern

Astra Jumper in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Astra Jumper is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This pullover garment is constructed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm, offering a comprehensive size range from extra-small through to extra-large. The finished garment features a classic jumper silhouette with shaped shoulders, a structured neckline, and a professional construction suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Astra Jumper employs intarsia technique for its decorative patterning. This advanced colorwork method allows multiple yarn colors to be worked into the fabric simultaneously, creating distinct color blocks and design elements without carrying yarn across the back of the work. The pattern is worked entirely in stockinette stitch and is charted for precise row-by-row guidance. The garment also incorporates shoulder shaping through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, creating a fitted shoulder line. Neck shaping is achieved through decreases at the neck edge combined with cast-offs to form a professional neckline opening.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at the neck edge to create gradual shaping
• Cast-offs: Used strategically at shoulder points and throughout the neck shaping to bind off groups of stitches and create structured edges

Materials

The Astra Jumper is knitted using Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a 50-gram ball weight. The pattern offers two distinct colourway options. The standard colourway features Pumice (888), Cement (890), Canard (871), and Smoke (831). The alternative colourway substitutes Forest (909), Lawn (919), and Chocolate (914) in place of some of the original colors, providing design flexibility. Knitting is worked on 4mm needles (US size 6), which are sized to create the appropriate gauge for the yarn weight and achieve the intended fabric drape and fit.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized into back and front pieces, each with detailed shaping instructions. The back piece is worked to a specific point before the front begins its intarsia chart placement. The front features the primary design chart, which is worked over 80 to 91 stitches depending on size, with additional plain stockinette stitch worked before the chart begins. Both pieces include comprehensive shoulder and neck shaping instructions with specific stitch counts provided for each of the nine size options, ensuring a properly proportioned garment across the full size range.