Rowan V-Neck Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan V-Neck Sweater in Alpaca Classic

What Is Being Made

The Rowan V-Neck Sweater is a classic pullover garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). This sweater features a distinctive V-shaped neckline and is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, making it an accessible project for intermediate knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sweater is worked using several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edges upward, with the back and sleeves worked separately before assembly.
• Flat knitting: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier stitch manipulation and shaping.
• Seamed assembly: Finished pieces are joined together using back stitch or mattress stitch, creating clean, professional seams.
• Neck shaping: The V-neckline is created through strategic decreases worked at the neck edge over multiple rows, with a center stitch held separately for the neckband.
• Shoulder shaping: Cast-off decreases at the shoulder create a fitted armhole and proper garment structure.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs essential knitting stitches to create texture and structure:

• Ribbing (rib): Used at the lower edges of the back and sleeves to create elasticity and a finished appearance. The back ribbing is worked for a specified number of rows before transitioning to the main fabric.
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the sweater body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with visible V-pattern texture on the right side.
• Knit and purl stitches: Form the foundation of both ribbing and stockinette stitch patterns.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: Rowan Alpaca Classic is the specified yarn for this project. The pattern calls for 13, 13, 14, 14, or 15 balls of 25-gram weight depending on size. The photographed version features two colorways: Dahlia 121 and Feather Grey Melange 101. The yarn is worked double throughout (two strands held together), which affects the final fabric weight and drape.

Needles: The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric characteristics:

• One pair of 6mm (US 10) needles for ribbed sections
• One pair of 7mm (US 10½/11) needles for stockinette stitch sections
• One 6mm (US 10) circular needle no longer than 40 cm for the neckband

Notions: Stitch holders are required to hold stitches during neck shaping and assembly.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving proper tension is critical for this project. The pattern specifies 14 stitches and 18 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 7mm needles while holding yarn double. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Construction Overview

The sweater begins with the back piece, worked in ribbing at the lower edge before changing to stockinette stitch for the main body. Sleeves are similarly constructed with ribbed cuffs and stockinette stitch bodies, incorporating decreases to shape the sleeve cap. The front is worked to match the back until the neck division, where stitches are divided and each side is shaped separately with decreases at the neck edge. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs. After pressing, all seams are joined using back stitch or mattress stitch, and the neckband is worked using the held stitches.