Rocky Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rocky Sweater in Rowan Pebble Island

What is Being Made

The Rocky Sweater is a knitted pullover garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements from 100 cm (39¼ inches) to 181.5 cm (71½ inches). This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive funnel neck construction and a front opening detail, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body sizes and proportions.

Techniques Used

The Rocky Sweater employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Ribbed fabric construction forms the primary stitch pattern throughout the garment, creating vertical texture and elasticity
• Wrap and turn shaping is used strategically to create tailored shaping, particularly visible in the neck and opening sections
• Decreasing methods including slip-stitch-knit-pass-slipped-stitch-over (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together (K2tog) are employed to shape the funnel neck opening
• Stitch holders are utilized to manage shoulder stitches and allow for separate construction of garment sections
• Two-sided construction where the front opening is worked in two separate sections after dividing stitches
• Embroidery work in contrasting yarn color adds decorative detail to the finished piece

Stitches Used

The Rocky Sweater relies on fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Knit stitch (K) and purl stitch (P) form the alternating rib pattern that creates the garment's textured surface
• Ribbed stitch pattern alternates groups of knit and purl stitches (K3, P3 repeat) to create vertical columns of texture
• Slip stitch (sl 1) appears in decreasing sequences and edge treatments
• Cast-on stitches establish the foundation for the back panel, ranging from 115 to 209 stitches depending on size
• Cast-off stitches in rib finish the funnel neck edge, maintaining the textured appearance through the final row

Materials and Tools

The Rocky Sweater is constructed using Rowan Pebble Island yarn in 50-gram hanks. The quantity required ranges from 12 to 21 hanks depending on the finished garment size selected. A small amount of contrasting Rowan Pebble Island yarn is needed for embroidery detailing; the pattern example shows this technique using Kelp 028 as the main color with Macaroni 029 for the embroidered contrast work.

Two pairs of needles are required for this project: 4mm (US 6) needles for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections, and 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main body knitting. The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over rib using the 4½mm needles, making gauge verification essential before beginning this intermediate project.