Rowan 04 Tunic Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan 04 Tunic by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan 04 Tunic is a knitted garment designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). This tunic features a classic construction with a defined waistline and fitted silhouette, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This tunic is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles, creating individual sections that are later seamed together to form the finished garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and pattern alignment throughout the construction process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The tunic features a two-part stitch pattern that creates visual interest and texture:

• Lower pattern: Stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), providing a smooth, classic foundation
• Upper pattern: A repeating 8-row pattern combining stockinette stitch with a ribbed motif (K2, P2 variations). This upper pattern is worked throughout the body shaping and armhole decreases, maintaining consistent texture as the garment is shaped

The ribbed elements in the upper pattern provide subtle structure and help define the garment's silhouette while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

Shaping and Construction Details

The tunic incorporates several shaping techniques to achieve its fitted design:

• Waist shaping: Decreases are worked at each end on the 3rd row and then every 10 rows for a total of 3 decrease rows, creating a tapered waist
• Hip increases: After the waist shaping, increases are worked at each end on the next row and again 24 rows later, gradually widening the garment for a comfortable hip measurement
• Armhole shaping: Stitches are cast off at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked at each end of rows to create fitted armholes
• Shoulder and neckline shaping: Graduated decreases at the neck edge combined with shoulder cast-offs create a professional neckline finish

Materials

The tunic is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn, a luxurious fiber blend. The pattern requires 10–12 balls of 25-gram weight (approximately 245–295 meters total, depending on size). The photographed sample is shown in Snowflake White 115.

Construction requires 3¾mm (US 5) needles: one pair of straight needles for working flat pieces, plus a 3¾mm circular needle no longer than 40 cm for any sections requiring circular knitting or stitch holding.

Gauge and Skill Level

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the upper pattern using 3¾mm needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit across all five sizes. The tunic is rated as Skill Level 2, indicating it is suitable for knitters with basic experience who are comfortable with shaping techniques, stitch pattern changes, and seaming.