Rowan Aloe Slipover Knitting Pattern

Rowan Aloe Slipovers and Vests by Georgia Farrell

What is Being Made

The Rowan Aloe pattern provides instructions for knitting slipovers and vests in multiple sizes. The garments are designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28 inches) through to 152-157 cm (64½ inches), with actual finished bust measurements from 81.5 cm to 164 cm. This extensive size range makes the pattern suitable for a wide variety of body types and preferences.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key shaping techniques. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic decreases, while neck shaping involves working each side of the neckline separately after dividing stitches. The pattern uses shoulder shaping with cast-off decreases worked over alternating rows to create a fitted shoulder seam. Ribbed edging is incorporated at the lower edge using a knit-purl rib pattern (K1, P1 rib), which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. The neckband is worked from held stitches, a common technique for creating neat, professional-looking necklines.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary fabric stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Ribbing (K1, P1) – used for the lower edge and neckband to create elasticity and definition
• Decreases – worked at armholes, neck edges, and shoulders to shape the garment
• Cast-off – used to bind off stitches at shoulder seams and garment edges

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Aloe pattern calls for Rowan Tweed Haze yarn (50 gm balls), with quantities varying by size. Two colorway options are specified: Rainy (shade 552) and Midnight (shade 553). Knitting needles required include 5½mm (US 9) needles and 6mm (US 10) needles, both used as pairs for flat knitting. The pattern specifies a tension of 14½ stitches and 20 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) measured in stockinette stitch using the 6mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment measurements.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized into back and front pieces, each worked separately from the lower edge upward. The back begins with cast-on stitches worked in ribbing, then transitions to stockinette stitch for the main body. Armhole shaping is introduced partway up the piece, followed by shoulder shaping near the top. The front follows a similar construction but includes additional neck shaping, with decreases worked over multiple rows to create a gradual, fitted neckline. Both pieces are completed before assembly, with stitches held on holders for the neckband, which is worked last to finish the garment.