Rowan Apollo Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Apollo Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Apollo is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). This garment features a classic pullover construction with raglan armhole shaping and a fitted neckline, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its intermediate skill level. The sweater features raglan armhole shaping, which involves strategic decreases that create diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline. The construction includes front neck shaping with multiple decrease rows worked in sequence, requiring careful stitch management and attention to shaping sequences. The pattern incorporates cable techniques as indicated by the special abbreviations, adding textural interest to the finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rowan Apollo utilizes several specialized stitches and cable techniques:

• Cable stitches including C4B (cable 4 back), C6B (cable 6 back), and C6F (cable 6 front) — these involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle and crossing them over working stitches to create raised, twisted rope-like textures
• Knit and purl combinations forming the base stitch pattern
• Decreases including K2tog (knit two together), K2tog tbl (knit two together through back loop), and psso (pass slipped stitch over) for shaping
• Slip stitches used in conjunction with decreases for refined edge finishing

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Apollo is worked in Softyak DK, a double-knit weight yarn, with quantities ranging from 13 to 20 x 50g balls depending on the size being knitted. The yarn shown in the pattern photographs is in the colorway Submarine 251. Knitting is accomplished using two pairs of needles: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed edgings and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric. A cable needle is required for executing the cable stitches. The pattern is worked to a tension of 35 stitches and 33 rows to 10 cm measured over the stitch pattern using the 4mm needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning this project.

Construction Details

The sweater is constructed in pieces with careful attention to shaping. The sleeve sections begin with cast-on stitches ranging from 81 to 99 stitches depending on size, and the pattern uses a holder to set aside stitches for the neckband. The front piece incorporates progressive neck decreases combined with raglan armhole shaping, demonstrating the intermediate complexity of managing multiple shaping sequences simultaneously.