Earl Jumper Knitting Pattern

Earl Knitted Sweater in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

Earl is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76cm up to 152-157cm, offering nine size options for a wide range of wearers. This pullover-style garment features a classic construction with shaped front neckline and structured body panels, making it a versatile wardrobe staple.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Earl sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment begins with ribbed edging at the lower edges, which provides elasticity and a neat finish. The main construction uses body patterning worked in stockinette variations to create visual interest across the front and back panels. Shaping techniques are applied at the front neckline through strategic decreasing, with the pattern specifying decreases worked at regular intervals—some on alternate rows and others on fourth rows—to create a gradual, professional-looking neck curve. The sweater is constructed in separate pieces (back, left front, and right front) that are later assembled, a traditional flat-knit approach that allows for precise shaping and easier tension management.

Stitches Used

The Earl pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches that form the foundation of the design:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern definition
• Ribbing (K1, P1) – worked at the cuffs and lower edges to provide stretch and recovery
• Body pattern (K4, P4 repeat) – a four-stitch by four-row repeat that creates a subtle textured surface across the main garment sections

Materials and Tools

The Earl sweater is knitted using Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a soft and workable fiber available in multiple colorways (the pattern shows a photographed sample in Feather 828). The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls, with yardage requirements varying by size. Knitting needles required include a 4mm (US 6) needle for the ribbed sections and a 4.5mm (US 7) needle for the main body pattern work, allowing for the slight gauge increase that creates proper fabric drape. A 4mm circular needle measuring at least 100cm in length is needed for finishing techniques. Additional notions include stitch holders for securing stitches during construction and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Tension and Fit

The pattern is worked to a tension of 20 stitches and 38 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over the body pattern using 4.5mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the garment to fit properly across the nine size range, with actual finished chest measurements ranging from 38½cm to 70cm depending on the selected size.