Marshwood Jumper Knitting Pattern

Marshwood Jumper in Rowan Alpaca Classic

What is Being Made

The Marshwood Jumper is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Lisa Richardson. This intermediate-level garment is available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements from 90 cm to 130 cm. The jumper features a classic crew neckline and is constructed using a combination of solid-colored and patterned knitting techniques.

Techniques Used

The Marshwood Jumper employs charted colorwork knitting as its primary design technique. The pattern includes a repeating chart section (rows 79 to 90) that is worked throughout the garment, creating visual interest across the body. The construction follows a traditional sweater-building method: the back and front pieces are worked separately in stockinette stitch with integrated colorwork, followed by structured shaping at the armholes and shoulders. The neckline is shaped through strategic decreases on both the front and back pieces, with the front neck opening deeper than the back. Sleeves are set-in style, requiring careful armhole shaping with decreases worked over multiple rows and alternating rows to create a smooth cap. The garment is finished with a neckband worked from held stitches.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Marshwood Jumper is stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which provides a smooth, classic fabric base for the colorwork pattern. The charted pattern is worked in stockinette stitch using multiple colors, requiring careful attention to color changes as indicated by the chart. Shaping is achieved through knit two together (k2tog) decreases and casting off at strategic points for armholes, shoulders, and neckline. The neckband utilizes ribbed knitting (alternating knit and purl stitches), a standard finishing technique that provides elasticity and a neat edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Marshwood Jumper is designed to be knitted in Rowan Alpaca Classic, a luxury yarn made from alpaca fiber. The pattern calls for five coordinating colors in this yarn:

• Color A: Green Moss (shade 111) – 6, 6, 7, 7, or 8 balls of 25gm depending on size
• Color B: Dark Burgundy (shade 122) – 4, 5, 5, 5, or 6 balls of 25gm depending on size
• Color C: Vermillion (shade 120) – 1 ball of 25gm for all sizes
• Color D: Sierra Mélange (shade 117) – 1, 1, 2, 2, or 2 balls of 25gm depending on size
• Color E: Peacock (shade 107) – 1 ball of 25gm for all sizes

Two needle sizes are required: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main body knitting. The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over patterned stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm needles. Achieving this tension is essential for the garment to fit correctly across all five size options.