Rowan Diamond Top Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Diamond Top

What is Being Made

The Rowan Diamond Top is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Quail Studio, available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large to fit bust measurements from 81-127 cm (32-50 inches). This garment features a sophisticated lace pattern worked throughout the front and back panels, creating an elegant diamond motif that adds visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edges upward, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and a logical progression through the pattern.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together at the end for a classic tailored finish.
• Lace patterning: A repeating 24-stitch lace chart is worked across the front and back panels, creating the signature diamond design that defines this top.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques for a polished, professional appearance.
• Shaped armholes and neckline: Strategic decreases at the armholes and front neck create a fitted silhouette that follows the body's natural contours.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Diamond Top employs fundamental knitting stitches combined to create its lace effect:

• Garter stitch: Used as the foundation stitch for tension measurement (19 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm), providing structure and stability.
• Knit and purl stitches: Combined according to the 24-stitch repeat chart to create the openwork diamond lace pattern.
• Decreases: Knit two together (K2tog) decreases are used extensively for shaping armholes, necklines, and shoulders, creating both the fitted silhouette and contributing to the lace pattern's visual design.

Materials Required

The Rowan Diamond Top is designed to be worked in Rowan Handknit Cotton, a natural fiber yarn that provides structure and drape suitable for lace work. The project requires 7-9 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on size selected (photographed in the colorway Linen 205). Knitting is worked on 4½mm (US 7) needles, with additional supplies including stitch holders for managing stitches during front neck shaping and seaming. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use once purchased.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Rated as Skill Level 2, this pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The combination of lace chart reading, multiple shaping techniques, and seamed construction requires intermediate understanding of knitting principles. The pattern includes detailed schematic information, row-by-row instructions for all five sizes, and references to additional yarn information available on knitrowan.com for color and fiber content details.