Rocha Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rocha Jumper: Knitted Sweater in Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Rocha Jumper is a knitted sweater designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with actual garment bust measurements from 108 cm (42½ inches) to 190 cm (74¾ inches). This pattern offers both a sleeved version and a sleeveless option, allowing crafters to choose their preferred style. The design features a classic fitted silhouette with shaped shoulders and a defined neckline with a collar.

Techniques Used

This beginner-level knitting project employs fundamental shaping techniques suitable for those new to garment construction. The pattern utilizes cast-on and cast-off methods to create structured edges throughout the piece. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs that gradually reduce stitch counts, creating a tailored fit at the armholes. Neck shaping involves decreasing stitches at the neck edge over multiple rows, both consecutively and on alternating rows, to create a curved neckline. The pattern requires working each side of the neck separately to maintain symmetrical shaping on both front and back pieces. A collar is incorporated using stitches held on stitch holders at the center neck, adding a finished detail to the neckline.

Stitches Used

The Rocha Jumper utilizes knit stitch (K) as its primary stitch throughout the garment. The pattern employs decreasing techniques at the neck edge, working decreases on consecutive rows and alternating rows to create the curved front neckline. Cast-off stitches are used systematically to shape the shoulders and create clean, finished edges. The collar is constructed from stitches slipped onto holders during construction, which are then worked to create a finished neckline detail.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rocha Jumper is designed to be knitted with a combination of two Rowan yarns, allowing crafters to create beautiful color and texture variation:

• For the sleeved version: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Drab (611) at 25 grams (7 balls for smallest size, 10 balls for largest), paired with Rowan Kid Classic in Clover (895) at 50 grams (11 balls for smallest size, 15 balls for largest)
• For the sleeveless version: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Bark (674) at 25 grams (5 balls for smallest size, 9 balls for largest), paired with Rowan Kid Classic in Bitter Sweet (866) at 50 grams (8 balls for smallest size, 11 balls for largest)

The pattern requires 5mm (US 8) needles, including one pair of straight needles and one 5mm circular needle measuring 40-60 cm in length. Stitch holders are essential extras for managing stitches during the neck shaping process, as the pattern requires slipping center stitches onto holders for the collar construction.

Pattern Overview

The Rocha Jumper construction begins with the back piece, which is worked straight until shoulder shaping begins. The back shoulders are cast off in stages to create the armhole depth, with the center back neck stitches reserved on a holder. The front is worked similarly to the back but includes additional rows before shoulder shaping to accommodate the deeper front neckline. Front neck shaping involves decreasing one stitch at the neck edge over six consecutive rows, followed by decreases on alternating rows, creating a gradual curve. Both front and back pieces are completed with matching shoulder cast-offs. The sleeves (in the sleeved version) are worked separately and sewn to the body, while the collar is created from the held stitches. This beginner-friendly design teaches essential garment shaping techniques while creating a wearable, versatile piece.