Rowan Cable Bobble Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Cable Bobble Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Cable Bobble Sweater is a knitted pullover sweater designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches), with finished bust measurements from 102.5–143.5 cm (40¼–56 inches). This garment is available in five sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for straightforward shaping and finishing.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together for assembly.
• Cable work: The primary decorative technique features cable stitches that create twisted, rope-like vertical patterns across the fabric. Cable stitches are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle.
• Lace elements: Lace patterning is incorporated into the design, adding openwork details that complement the cable sections.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a variety of stitches to achieve its textured appearance:

• Ribbed stitching: The lower edge begins with ribbed stitches (likely knit and purl combinations) worked over 6 cm, creating an elastic edge that hugs the body and prevents curling.
• Cable stitches: The main pattern features cable stitches, including a 3/3 LC (slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at front) abbreviation, indicating cables formed by crossing three stitches over three other stitches.
• Decreases: Pattern2tog (patt2tog) decreases are used throughout, particularly for shoulder shaping and neckline shaping, allowing the garment to taper smoothly.
• Stitch holder techniques: Stitches are placed on holders during construction for later finishing, such as at the shoulder and neckline areas.

Pattern Repeat and Stitch Count

The cable and lace pattern repeats across 22 stitches and is worked over 21 rows initially, then rows 6 through 21 are repeated throughout the body. The pattern repeat is worked 7–10 times across each row depending on the size, creating a balanced, symmetrical design across the front and back pieces.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The sweater is designed to be knitted in Cotton Cashmere yarn by Rowan (photographed in the shade "Paper 210"). The yardage requirements range from 14–18 x 50-gram balls depending on the chosen size, providing approximately 700–900 meters of yarn for the complete garment.

Two pairs of needles are required:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles: Used for the initial ribbed cuff at the lower edge, creating a snug, elastic finish.
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles: Used for the main cable and lace pattern sections. The tension is measured at 31 stitches and 34 rows over 10 centimeters using these needles with the cable pattern.

Skill Level and Construction Details

This pattern is rated as Skill Level 3, indicating intermediate to advanced knitting experience. The complexity arises from working cable stitches, managing lace decreases, and executing precise shaping for the shoulders and neckline. The front and back pieces are worked separately with specific decreasing sequences for shoulder shaping (casting off 4–6 stitches at the beginning of alternate rows over 28–38 rows) and front neck shaping (decreasing 2 stitches per row over 8–9 rows). The garment is finished by seaming all pieces together and working the neckline finish.

Design Features

The sweater combines classic cable texturing with delicate lace elements, creating a sophisticated garment suitable for various occasions. The Cotton Cashmere fiber blend provides softness, breathability,