Rowan Alberta Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Alberta Knitted Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Alberta is a knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes ranging from small (81-86 cm bust) to extra-extra-large (122-127 cm bust). This garment is a classic pullover-style jumper constructed using a combination of two premium Rowan yarns worked together for texture and visual interest.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Alberta sweater is worked flat on straight needles and seamed together, using a bottom-up construction method. This traditional approach means the garment is built starting from the lower edges and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The back and front pieces are worked separately in flat rows, then joined with seams, and the raglan armholes are shaped through strategic decreases worked into the pattern.

The sweater features raglan armhole shaping, which creates diagonal seam lines running from the underarm to the neckline. This classic silhouette is achieved through paired decreases (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over, and knit 2 together) worked at regular intervals across multiple rows.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Alberta is moss stitch (also known as seed stitch), which creates a textured, bumpy fabric with excellent drape and structure. Moss stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, both horizontally and vertically.

The lower edge begins with 2x2 ribbing (alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches), which provides elasticity and helps the garment hold its shape at the hem. The ribbed section measures approximately 6 centimeters before transitioning into the main moss stitch pattern.

Decreases are worked using slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit 2 together (K2tog) techniques, which are paired symmetrically to create balanced shaping. These decreases are integrated into the moss stitch pattern while maintaining the textural integrity of the fabric.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Alberta sweater is knitted using two Rowan yarns held together as one throughout construction:

• Rowan Felted Tweed (Yarn A) in the colorway Celadon: 7, 7, 8, 9, or 10 x 50-gram balls depending on size
• Rowan Mohair Haze (Yarn B) in the colorway Tender: 11, 12, 14, 15, or 17 x 25-gram balls depending on size

This two-yarn combination creates a sophisticated blended fabric with the structure of Felted Tweed balanced by the softness and halo effect of Mohair Haze.

The pattern calls for two pairs of straight needles:

• 4mm (US 6) needles for the ribbed cuff sections
• 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main body in moss stitch

The larger needle size allows the moss stitch pattern to develop with appropriate drape while the smaller needles create a tighter, more elastic rib at the hem.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 33 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over moss stitch using 4½mm needles with one strand each of Felted Tweed and Mohair Haze held together. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit properly across all five available sizes.