Pitta Jumper Knitting Pattern

Pitta Sweater by Martin Storey for Rowan

What is Being Made

The Pitta is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, offering nine size options for children through adults. This garment features a classic pullover construction with raglan armhole shaping and a crew neckline, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create structure and visual interest. The sweater utilizes raglan armhole shaping, which involves strategic decreases that create diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline, a technique that provides both aesthetic appeal and comfortable garment fit. Slip stitch decreases (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and knit two together decreases are used throughout the armhole shaping to create neat, directional decreases. The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, combined with garter stitch sections and fancy rib detailing, creating textural variation across the garment. The neckband is worked on a circular needle, demonstrating in-the-round knitting techniques for a finished edge.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The main fabric throughout most of the sweater, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Garter Stitch (G St): Formed by knitting every row, creating a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges
• Fancy Rib: A decorative ribbed pattern used as a stitch detail, combining knit and purl stitches in a structured repeat
• Slip Stitch Decrease (Sl 1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used in armhole shaping
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in armhole shaping
• Purl Two Together (P2tog) and Purl Two Together Through Back Loop (P2tog tbl): Decreases worked on wrong-side rows during armhole shaping

Materials and Specifications

The Pitta is knitted using Rowan Pebble Island yarn, a 50-gram weight yarn available in two colorways: Elephant 022 and Un-Dyed 030. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 6 balls for the smallest sizes to 11 balls for the largest sizes. The pattern requires two sizes of needles: 4mm (US 6) needles for ribbed sections and the neckband, and 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main body fabric. A 4mm circular needle no longer than 40 cm is specified for the neckband construction.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for proper garment fit. The pattern specifies three different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked: 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm over stockinette stitch using 4½mm needles, 19 stitches and 38 rows to 10 cm over garter stitch using 4½mm needles, and 26 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm over fancy rib using 4mm needles. Knitters should swatch in their chosen stitch patterns before beginning to ensure their finished sweater achieves the intended measurements.

Pattern Structure

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces—back, front, and sleeves—which are then joined together. The back begins with a cast-on using 4mm needles and yarn A, establishing the width of the garment. Raglan armhole shaping begins with casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by paired decreases worked on alternating rows to create the characteristic diagonal raglan lines. The front follows the same construction method as the back through the armhole shaping stage. The neckband is worked on a circular needle, picking up stitches from the holders left at the neck opening, creating a neat, finished edge.