Rowan Bark Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bark Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Rowan Bark is an intermediate-level knitted sweater pattern available in two neckline styles: a V-neck design and a crew neck option. The pattern accommodates six different sizes, with finished chest measurements ranging from 92 cm (36¼ inches) to 142.5 cm (56 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. This is a classic pullover sweater construction featuring raglan armhole shaping and a tailored fit.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. Raglan armhole shaping is a central construction method, created through strategic decreases that taper the sleeves smoothly into the body. The sweater features ribbed edging at the cuffs and hem for elasticity and a finished appearance. V-neck shaping (in the V-neck version) involves dividing stitches at the center front and working each side separately with decreases to create the characteristic V silhouette. The crew neck version uses a neckband finish. Seaming is required to join the pieces together, and the pattern includes working from stitch holders for the neckband application, demonstrating intermediate construction skills.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) – the primary fabric throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Ribbed Stitch – used for the cuffs, hem, and neckband areas to provide stretch and structure
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used extensively in raglan shaping and neckline decreases
• Knit 2 Together Through Back Loop (K2tog tbl) – a left-leaning decrease used for balanced shaping
• Slip, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, K2tog, psso) – a centered double decrease used in final neckline shaping
• Purl (P) – used in ribbed sections and reverse stockinette applications

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Bark pattern is designed to be worked in Softyak DK, a double-knit weight yarn. The pattern offers two colorway options. The V-neck sweater requires Softyak DK in Plain (Color A) and Jaune (Color B), with yardage varying by size from 8–13 balls of 50gm each for the main color and 1 ball of the contrasting color. The crew neck sweater uses Softyak DK in Cream (Color A) and Black (Color B), requiring 9–14 balls of the main color and 1 ball of the contrast color, depending on size selection.

The pattern calls for 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main stockinette fabric. A set of four double-pointed 3¼mm (US 3) needles is needed for working the neckband in the round. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Pattern Structure Overview

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces: a back, front, and two sleeves. The back begins with a cast-on and ribbed cuff, then transitions to stockinette stitch before raglan armhole decreases are introduced. The front follows a similar construction but divides for the neckline shaping partway through the raglan decreases. Sleeves are worked from the cuff upward with increases to create the proper width, then shaped with decreases as they meet the body in the raglan armholes. All pieces are worked flat on straight needles before assembly, with the neckband worked on double-pointed needles after the pieces are joined.