Rowan Poppet Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Poppet Knitted Baby Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Poppet is a knitted baby sweater designed by Erika Knight, available in four sizes to fit ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 months. The garment features an actual chest measurement range of 50 to 56 cm (19¾ to 22 inches) and is constructed with a classic raglan armhole design. The sweater includes functional button closures, making it practical for dressing and undressing infants and young toddlers.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential garment construction techniques. The sweater is worked using the raglan armhole shaping method, which involves strategic decreasing at both armhole edges to create a smooth, fitted sleeve cap. The pattern incorporates yarn forward increases (yfwd) for decorative buttonholes integrated into the knit structure, as well as slip stitch and knit two together (K2tog) decreases for precise shaping. The front and back pieces are shaped separately, with the front neck requiring additional decreasing to create a finished neckline. Markers are placed to denote the base of side seams, helping to guide the knitter through the construction process.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st) – The primary stitch throughout the entire garment, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, reversible fabric
• Yarn Forward (yfwd) – Used both for increasing stitches and creating decorative buttonholes
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for raglan armhole shaping and neckline shaping
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, K1, psso) – A left-leaning decrease used for raglan armhole shaping and buttonhole placement

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan Poppet requires Cotton Wool yarn in quantities of 2, 2, 3, and 3 x 50-gram balls depending on the size selected. The pattern was photographed in the colorways Tiny 203 and Pickles 208. Knitting is worked on 4mm (US 6) needles, one pair required for the entire project. The recommended tension is 20 stitches and 38 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch using 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The sweater is finished with four grey 2-hole buttons measuring 1.5 centimeters, plus one additional button, providing secure closures along the front opening.

Pattern Notes

The back piece is cast on and worked with increases in the early rows to establish the full width, then worked straight until the armholes are shaped. The front follows a similar construction but includes integrated buttonholes and more complex neckline shaping. All raglan armhole decreases are worked consistently across the front and back pieces, with the number of decrease rows varying slightly by size. The pattern requires careful attention to buttonhole placement and neck shaping, making it suitable for knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable with shaping techniques and following detailed row-by-row instructions.