Rowan Barlow Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Barlow Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Barlow is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in six size options to fit chest measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 inches), with corresponding finished chest measurements from 91.5 cm to 142.5 cm. The sweater features a structured construction with shaped armholes and shoulders, making it a tailored, fitted design suitable for intermediate to experienced knitters.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Barlow employs several key knitting techniques characteristic of advanced garment construction. The sweater incorporates cable panel work as a central design feature, combined with moss stitch edging at both sides of the main pattern. The cable panel, when worked in full, measures 39.5 cm across and requires careful stitch management throughout the garment.

Shaping is achieved through strategic cast-off sequences and decreasing at specific intervals. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by single-stitch decreases worked over multiple rows and alternating rows to create a smooth, tapered armhole. Shoulder shaping uses a stepped cast-off method across multiple rows to create proper garment structure. Back neck shaping requires working each side of the neckline separately with decreases worked at the neck edge while simultaneously casting off at the shoulder edge—a technique demanding precision and attention to pattern continuity.

Stitches Used

• Moss stitch – used at both sides of the central cable panel for textured edging
• Cable stitches – forming the central decorative panel that defines the sweater's visual character
• Stockinette stitch – implied as the base structure supporting the pattern elements
• Cast-off stitches – used extensively for armhole, shoulder, and neckline shaping
• Decrease stitches – single-stitch decreases worked at armhole edges and neckline for fitted shaping

Materials

The Barlow is knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn, a 100-gram skein weight. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 7 skeins for the smallest size (81–86 cm chest) to 11 skeins for the largest size (132–137 cm chest). The yarn is available in multiple colorways, including Oxford Blue 009 (shown in the pattern photography, worn by the model in size 36–38 inches) and Pillar Box 020 as an alternative option.

Needles required include 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbing and initial stitches, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main garment body. A 3¼mm circular needle no longer than 40 cm is also needed, likely for neckline finishing. A cable needle is essential for managing cable stitches throughout the pattern work.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 39 rows to 10 cm, measured over moss stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving correct tension is critical for this advanced project, as the garment's final measurements and fit depend on matching this gauge precisely. The complete cable panel, when worked to pattern specification, measures 39.5 cm in width.