Rowan Minnow Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Minnow Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Minnow is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Erika Knight. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted pullover sweater available in nine size options, with chest circumferences ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm. The garment features a classic construction with a shaped neckline and structured shoulders, making it suitable for a variety of body types and fit preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Minnow pattern employs several essential knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The sweater begins with a cast-on foundation and incorporates ribbed edging to create elasticity and structure at the lower edges. The pattern uses stockinette stitch (jersey endroit) as the primary fabric, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. Short-row shaping is employed to form the back neckline, requiring knitters to work partial rows with strategic yarn overs and decreases to create a contoured neck opening. The pattern also demonstrates shoulder seaming techniques, with stitches held in waiting and later grafted or sewn together to join the garment pieces.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The foundational stitch pattern is 1x1 ribbing, created by alternating knit and purl stitches across rows. Row 1 begins with one knit stitch followed by repeated sequences of one purl and one knit stitch. Row 2 reverses this pattern, starting with one purl stitch and alternating accordingly. This ribbed section provides structure and elasticity to the garment edges.

The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (garter stitch reverse side), which produces the characteristic smooth V-pattern texture on the knit side. The neckline shaping incorporates yarn overs and decrease techniques, where wrapped stitches are worked together with their wrapping yarn to create neat, finished edges during the short-row shaping process.

Materials and Gauge

The Minnow is designed to be worked with Rowan Pebble Island yarn (50g balls), photographed in the colorway Tussac 023. The pattern requires size 4½ (3.5mm) needles, including one pair of straight needles and one circular needle no longer than 40 cm for working the neckband. The specified gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm when worked in stockinette stitch with size 4½ needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper fit across the nine available size options.

Pattern Construction Details

The back piece begins with casting on between 93 and 175 stitches depending on the chosen size. After establishing the ribbed edging with the two-row rib pattern, knitters continue in stockinette stitch until the piece reaches the appropriate length. The neckline is formed through a series of short rows that progressively reduce the number of active stitches, creating a shaped back neck opening. The pattern provides specific stitch counts for each size at every step, ensuring accurate shaping and fit. Stitches are placed on hold at the shoulders to be joined later, allowing for precise seaming and a professional finish.