Rowan Petal Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Petal Sweater by Erika Knight

What is Being Made

The Rowan Petal is a knitted sweater designed by Erika Knight, available in three size options to fit bust measurements of 81-91 cm (32-36 in), 97-107 cm (38-42 in), and 112-127 cm (44-50 in). The finished garment features actual bust measurements of 108 cm (42½ in), 124 cm (48¾ in), and 140 cm (55 in) respectively. This intermediate-level knitting project combines classic construction techniques with thoughtful shaping details.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Rowan Petal employs several essential knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. Ribbed edging is worked at the garment's edges to create elasticity and a neat finish. Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric body, providing a smooth, classic appearance. The sweater utilizes short-row shaping through a wrapping technique to create custom fit at the overarm and shoulder seams. This advanced shaping method involves slipping stitches and wrapping them with yarn, then working wrapped stitches together with their wrapping loops on subsequent rows. This technique allows for precise shoulder and armhole contouring without visible seams in these critical areas.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitches used in this design are knit (K) and purl (P) stitches. The pattern establishes a rib pattern at both ends of the rows using a K2, P2 repeat, with 9 stitches maintained in rib at each end. The remaining stitches are worked in stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows). The pattern note indicates that stitch counts are kept correct as set throughout the construction, maintaining the rib definition while the central body develops in stockinette.

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Petal is constructed using Cotton Wool yarn from Rowan, with 13, 15, or 17 balls of 50-gram weight required depending on size selection. The yarn shown in the pattern photograph is worked in the colorway Nutkin 209. The project requires three circular needles: a 5mm (US 8) circular needle no longer than 60 cm, a 5½mm (US 9) circular needle no longer than 60 cm, and a 5½mm (US 9) circular needle at least 120 cm long. The working tension is 15 stitches and 20 rows over 10 centimeters, measured in stockinette stitch using 5½mm needles with yarn held double. The pattern also calls for 6 dark grey 2-hole buttons measuring 2.5 cm in diameter for closure.

Construction and Finishing Details

After establishing the rib pattern, the sweater body is worked for 43, 49, or 55 rows depending on size before shaping begins. The short-row shaping sequence progressively wraps stitches at increasing intervals to create the overarm and shoulder seams, with wrapping points occurring at 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, 52, 59, 67, and 72 or 76 stitches depending on the size being worked. This graduated approach ensures smooth, professional shaping that accommodates the natural contours of the shoulder and upper arm area.