Rowan Bibby Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bibby Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bibby is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This pullover garment is available in six sizes, ranging from 81-86 cm to 132-137 cm chest measurements (32-34 inches to 52-54 inches), with finished chest measurements from 91.5 cm to 141.5 cm (36 inches to 55¾ inches). The sweater features a sophisticated striped color pattern throughout the body and sleeves.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Bibby sweater employs a classic top-down or flat construction method typical of contemporary knitwear design. The garment incorporates ribbed edging as a foundational technique, with a 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) used at the cuffs and hem for elasticity and structure. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch with an intricate striped color sequence that repeats over 100 rows, creating visual interest and demonstrating intermediate-level color work skills.

The stripe sequence alternates between the primary yarn (Pepper 002) and accent colors in a carefully planned pattern. Stripes are introduced at regular intervals: pairs of rows in contrasting colors are interspersed with longer sections of the base color, creating a balanced, rhythmic design. This technique requires attention to yarn management and consistent tension when switching between colors.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the 2x2 ribbed pattern at edges
• 2x2 Ribbing: A reversible elastic pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches, providing structure at cuffs and hem
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch pattern for the body, created by alternating knit rows (right side) and purl rows (wrong side)
• Stranded color work: Implied by the multi-yarn stripe sequence, requiring knitters to carry and manage multiple yarn colors across rows

Yarn and Materials

The Bibby sweater is knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn, a premium wool blend available in six distinct colorways for the primary design. The yarn requirements vary by size:

• Yarn A (Pepper 002): The base color, required in quantities ranging from 6 to 10 x 100gm balls depending on size
• Yarn B (Turmeric 003): 1 x 100gm ball for all sizes
• Yarn C (Thai 005): 1 x 100gm ball for all sizes
• Yarn D (Bronzed 006): 1 x 100gm ball for all sizes
• Yarn E (Blue Moor 008): 1 x 100gm ball for all sizes
• Yarn F (Beetroot 007): 1 x 100gm ball for all sizes

An alternative colorway is provided, substituting the accent colors while maintaining the same stripe structure: Pepper 002 (base), Orange Peel 018, Sloe 017, Pea 021, French Navy 016, and Pillar Box 020.

The pattern requires two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric density and elasticity: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed edging, which creates a tighter, more elastic fabric, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body. The recommended tension is 29 stitches and 66 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the pattern using the larger 4mm needles, ensuring the finished garment achieves the correct dimensions and drape.

Design Features

The Bibby sweater showcases a repeating 100-row stripe sequence that forms the visual foundation of the design. This extended pattern repeat allows for sophisticated color placement and demonstrates intermediate knitting skills. The combination of ribbed edges with striped stockinette creates a classic, wearable garment with contemporary color appeal. The multiple size options and two colorway choices provide versatility for