Rowan Rocky Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Rocky Sweater by Erika Knight

What is Being Made

The Rowan Rocky 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 corresponding finished bust measurements from 100 cm (39¼ inches) to 181.5 cm (71½ inches). This garment features a distinctive funnel neck construction and a front opening detail, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body sizes and fit preferences.

Techniques Used

The Rocky employs multiple construction techniques to achieve its finished design. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and is seamed together after individual pieces are completed. The pattern offers flexibility in construction approach, as it can be worked using either bottom-up or top-down methods, allowing knitters to choose their preferred building technique. The front opening is created through strategic dividing and shaping, with each side of the neck worked separately to create the funnel neck feature. Wrap and turn techniques are employed to shape the neckline smoothly, and stitches are strategically decreased using K2tog (knit two together) and sl 1, K1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) to contour the neck opening.

Stitches Used

The Rocky is constructed primarily using ribbed stitch as the main fabric pattern, creating vertical texture and elasticity throughout the garment. The rib pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence (K3, P3 repeat), which is established on the back piece and maintained across the front and neck sections. Standard knitting stitches form the foundation of this design, including:

• Knit stitches (K) for smooth columns
• Purl stitches (P) for textured contrast
• Decreases using K2tog and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) for shaping
• Wrap and turn techniques for short-row shaping on the neckline
• Ribbed cast-on and cast-off edges for a finished appearance

The pattern also incorporates a small amount of contrast yarn for embroidery detailing, as shown in the photographed sample using Kelp 028 as the main color with Macaroni 029 for embroidered accents.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rocky is knitted using Rowan Pebble Island yarn, a 50-gram hank weight. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 12 hanks for the smallest size (28-30 inch bust) to 21 hanks for the largest size (60-62 inch bust). A small additional amount of Pebble Island yarn in a contrasting color is needed for embroidery embellishment.

The pattern calls for two pairs of needles in different sizes to create proper tension and fabric characteristics. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the initial cast-on and ribbed foundation, while 4½mm (US 7) needles are used for the main body fabric. The recommended tension is 23 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the rib pattern using the larger 4½mm needles. This tension specification ensures the garment achieves its intended finished measurements and drape.