Rowan Beckford Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Beckford Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Beckford is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). This pullover-style jumper features a prominent cable panel as its central design element, with the actual finished chest measurements spanning from 95.5 cm to 145.5 cm depending on size selection.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment utilizes raglan shaping for the armholes, created through strategic decreasing at the beginning of rows. Cable knitting forms the focal point of the design, with a central panel measuring 32 cm worked from a provided chart. The pattern incorporates textured stitch patterns on the side sections, creating visual interest beyond the cable work. Decreasing methods include slip-stitch decreases (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and knit two together decreases, which are worked symmetrically to maintain balanced shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Beckford sweater combines multiple stitch techniques throughout its construction. The central 83 stitches are worked in cable pattern from chart, featuring cable stitches created using the abbreviation C4B (slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, knit 2, then knit the 2 stitches from cable needle). The side sections employ a textured patterned stitch that alternates knit and purl stitches in a structured repeat. The pattern instructions specify working combinations such as (P1, K3) and (K1, P3, K4) repeats, creating a ribbed texture that complements the central cable panel. The tension is established at 24 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm measured over the textured pattern, providing a guide for achieving proper garment fit and drape.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Beckford is designed to be knitted using Alpaca Soft DK yarn from Rowan. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 12 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest sizes up to 15 balls for the largest size. The photographed sample was created in the colorway Rainy Day 210. The pattern requires two needle sizes: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed edgings and a 4mm (US 6) needle for the main body fabric. A 3¼mm circular needle no more than 40 cm long is also needed, likely for neckline finishing. The combination of needle sizes creates a fabric with appropriate elasticity and definition between the ribbed and stockinette sections.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The sweater is constructed in pieces, beginning with the back section. The pattern establishes stitch placement over 12 rows, setting the central 83 cable stitches from chart with textured side stitches that frame the design. The back is worked straight until reaching approximately 40-42.5 cm in length, after which raglan armhole shaping begins. The armhole shaping involves casting off 3 stitches at the beginning of two rows, followed by repeated decreasing rows worked over 7 to 22 rows depending on the chosen size, resulting in a final stitch count of 83 stitches at the armhole completion.