Rowan 03 Pearl Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan 03 Pearl Knitted Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan 03 Pearl is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) through to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished garment features a classic pullover construction with shaped front and back panels, set-in sleeves, and a neckband finish.

Yarn and Materials

This design uses Rowan Felted Tweed, a premium yarn that combines wool with alpaca and viscose for a soft, textured finish. The pattern calls for two complementary colorways worked together throughout:

• Yarn A: Duck Egg (shade 173) – 5 to 9 x 50gm balls depending on size
• Yarn B: Tawny (shade 186) – 5 to 9 x 50gm balls depending on size

One strand of each yarn is held together throughout the project, creating a blended, multi-colored effect. This technique adds visual interest and depth to the finished sweater.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to create proper tension and fabric structure:

• 1 pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles – used for ribbed cuffs and neckband
• 1 pair of 5mm (US 8) needles – used for main body and sleeves in stockinette stitch

The working tension is 16 stitches and 23 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 5mm needles with both yarn strands held together. Achieving correct tension is essential for the garment to fit properly across the nine size options.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Rowan 03 Pearl employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Stockinette Stitch – the primary stitch for the body and sleeves, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbing – used for the cuffs and neckband to create elasticity and a neat, fitted finish
• Decreasing – single stitch decreases are worked at the neck edge and shoulder shaping areas to create the garment's contours
• Casting Off – used to secure stitches at shoulder seams and final edges
• Shaping – the pattern includes front neck shaping with graduated decreases over multiple rows, and shoulder shaping worked over several rows to create a professional fit

Construction Details

The back panel is worked first as the foundation, establishing the overall length and shoulder placement. The front panel is then worked to match the back until approximately 12 to 14 rows before the shoulder shaping begins, at which point the front neck shaping is introduced. This staggered approach allows the neckline to be shaped while maintaining proper shoulder alignment.

The sleeves are worked in the round or flat, beginning with ribbed cuffs cast on using the smaller needles, then transitioning to stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Increases are worked within the center of rows to gradually expand the sleeve width from cuff to armhole.

The neckband is completed using stitches held on a spare needle during front shaping, creating a continuous, professional finish around the neck opening.

Yarn Holding Technique

A distinctive feature of this design is the two-strand held together method. By working with one strand each of Duck Egg and Tawny held as a single working yarn, the knitter creates a heathered, blended color effect that adds sophistication and visual texture to the finished piece. This technique also affects the overall fabric weight and drape, resulting in a garment with excellent structure and warmth.