Rowan Radish Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Radish Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Radish is a knitted sweater design by Lisa Richardson available in multiple versions to suit different style preferences. This garment comes in three distinct silhouettes: a cropped round neck version, a cropped V neck version, and a long round neck version, with an additional long V neck option. The sweater is designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with actual garment bust measurements spanning from 94 cm (37 inches) to 132.5 cm (52¼ inches).

Techniques Used

The Radish employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The garment is worked flat on needles, meaning pieces are knitted in rows rather than in the round, and then seamed together to form the complete sweater. Lace patterning is a central design feature, incorporated as a decorative border element that adds visual interest and texture to the piece. The construction involves careful stitch manipulation including yarn forwards (yfwd), slip stitches, and decreases (K1, psso and K2tog) to create the lace effect. Shaping techniques are used throughout, including increases and decreases at specific edges to form the armholes, shoulder seams, and neckline.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways. Stocking stitch (st st) forms the main body fabric of the garment, providing a smooth, classic finish. The lace border is created using a repeating pattern of yarn forwards and decreases—specifically yarn forward (yfwd), slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso), and knit 2 together (K2tog)—which create the characteristic openwork design. The lace border pattern repeats across 8 rows and is worked at the hem edge while the remaining stitches are maintained in stocking stitch. Additional techniques include casting on and casting off, with casting off done knitwise in specific sections to finish edges cleanly.

Materials

The Radish is knitted using Rowan Denim Revive yarn in a weight of 50 grams per ball. Yarn quantities vary by version and size: the cropped round neck version requires 5 to 7 balls depending on size; the cropped V neck version requires 4 to 7 balls; the long round neck version requires 7 to 11 balls; and the long V neck version also requires 7 to 11 balls. The pattern specifies two needle sizes: 3¼mm (UK size 10, US size 3) needles and 3¾mm (UK size 9, US size 5) needles, allowing for adjustments in tension and fabric density as needed throughout the garment construction.