Rowan Pear Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Pear Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Pear is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm to 122-127 cm (32-50 inches). This garment is worked in one piece beginning at the back hem edge, creating a seamless construction method that simplifies assembly. The finished sweater features an actual bust measurement ranging from 98 cm to 136 cm depending on the size selected.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The body is constructed using a one-piece method, which reduces the need for seaming and creates a more cohesive finished garment. The sweater incorporates shaping at the front neck through strategic increases worked at the neck edge across multiple rows, with increases integrated into the established stitch pattern. The pattern uses stitch holders to manage stitches during the neck division process, allowing the crafter to work each shoulder separately while maintaining pattern continuity. The design also demonstrates pattern integration, where newly increased stitches are taken into the established lace pattern as they are created.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Garter stitch (g st): Used for the initial 6 rows at the back hem edge, creating a textured, reversible fabric that provides stability at the garment's lower edge
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch for the main body, measured at 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches)
• Lace pattern: A decorative stitch pattern worked throughout the body, measured at 16 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm, adding visual interest and texture to the finished sweater

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Pear is knitted using Rowan Handknit Cotton yarn, with 10-11 balls of 50-gram skeins required depending on size selection. The pattern was photographed in two colorways: Ecru 251 and Celery 309. All knitting is worked on 4½mm (US 7) needles, including a pair of straight needles for the main body and a 4½mm circular needle no longer than 40 cm for neck work. Proper tension is essential for this design: 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch, and 16 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm measured over the lace pattern, both worked with 4½mm needles.

Design Details

The sweater features a divided front neck opening created by slipping stitches to holders and working each shoulder separately. The neck shaping is accomplished through incremental increases at the neck edge, with increases occurring on alternating rows and fourth rows in a specific sequence. This creates a gradual, professional-looking neckline. The pattern maintains stitch pattern continuity throughout the shaping process, ensuring a cohesive visual appearance across the finished garment.