Dearne Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Dearne Sweater in Rowan Valley Tweed

What is Being Made

The Dearne is a long or short sweater with a round or V-neck option, designed by Lisa Richardson for Rowan Yarns. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches), with finished garment bust measurements from 91 cm to 141 cm (36 to 51½ inches). The sweater features a classic construction with a shaped waist, fitted armholes, and tailored shoulders.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create a well-fitted garment:

• Increases and decreases: The pattern uses side seam increases worked at regular intervals (every 8th row) to create shaping at the sides. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by paired decreases—slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) on right-side rows and purl 2 together through the back loop (P2tog tbl) on wrong-side rows—to create a neat, sloped edge.
• Shoulder shaping: The pattern uses stepped shoulder shaping with multiple cast-off rows to create a gradual slope.
• Neck shaping: Neck decreases are worked using the same decrease methods as the armholes, maintaining consistency in the garment's finished appearance. Stitches are held on a holder during neck shaping to allow for later finishing.
• Seam construction: The sweater is worked in pieces (front and back) that are later seamed together at the sides and shoulders.

Stitches Used

The Dearne sweater is constructed primarily using fundamental knitting stitches:

• Knit stitch (K): Forms the main fabric of the sweater.
• Purl stitch (P): Used on wrong-side rows to create stockinette stitch texture.
• Slip stitch (sl 1): Used in decrease sequences for a refined edge appearance.
• Decrease stitches: Knit 2 together (K2tog), slip 1 knit 1 pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso), purl 2 together (P2tog), and purl 2 together through the back loop (P2tog tbl) are used throughout for armhole, neck, and shoulder shaping.
• Cast-off stitch: Used to bind off stitches at armholes and shoulders.

Materials and Yarn

The Dearne sweater is designed to be knitted in Rowan Valley Tweed, a yarn that provides the fabric with texture and visual interest. Yarn quantities vary depending on which version you choose to make:

• Long sweater with round neck: 6–9 balls of 50gm (depending on size)
• Long sweater with V-neck: 6–9 balls of 50gm (depending on size)
• Short sweater with round neck: 5–7 balls of 50gm (depending on size)
• Short sweater with V-neck: 5–7 balls of 50gm (depending on size)

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for 1 pair of 3mm needles (UK size 11 / US size 2/3) for the main knitting. The pattern document indicates additional notions are specified but the complete list is not fully visible in the provided content. Standard finishing supplies such as a tapestry needle for seaming and stitch holders for holding stitches during neck shaping are typical requirements for this type of garment.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The Dearne is graded across five sizes, allowing knitters to customize the fit to their measurements. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for the back piece, with specific row counts for increases and decreases at each size. The armhole depth ranges from 19–25 cm depending on size, and the pattern provides clear instructions for working the front and back pieces separately before seaming. The round-neck and V-neck options offer versatility in neckline style, while the long and short length options allow