Rowan Brando Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Brando Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Brando is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is a pullover-style jumper available in six sizes, ranging from 81-86 cm to 132-137 cm chest measurements (32-34 inches to 52-54 inches). The finished garment features actual chest measurements from 93 cm to 143 cm (36.5 inches to 56.5 inches), providing comfortable ease for everyday wear.

Construction Technique

The Brando sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, flat knitting method. This approach means the knitter begins at the lower edge of the garment and works upward toward the shoulders, with all pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The individual pieces—front, back, and sleeves—are then seamed together to create the finished sweater. This traditional construction method allows for precise shaping and detailed pattern work throughout the garment.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The Brando incorporates cable stitches as a primary design element, adding visual interest and texture to the sweater. The pattern uses the abbreviation C4B (cable 4 back), which involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle and holding them at the back of work before knitting, a fundamental cable crossing technique. The garment combines cable patterning with stockinette stitch (st st), creating a balanced design with both textured and smooth sections.

Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases at armholes and neckline. The pattern employs techniques such as K2tog (knit two together), psso (pass slipped stitch over), K3tog (knit three together), and P2tog (purl two together) to create clean, finished edges. These decreases are worked at specific intervals to shape the armholes, create sleeve caps, and form the neckline.

Yarn and Materials

The Brando is knitted using Rowan Hemp Tweed yarn, a durable blend suitable for structured garments. The pattern calls for 19 to 31 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the chosen size. The photographed version is shown in the colorway Pumice.

The pattern requires the following needles and tools:

• One pair of 4mm (US 6) needles
• One pair of 4.5mm (US 7) needles
• Two double-pointed 4mm (US 6) needles
• Cable needle for working cable stitches

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this pattern. The specified gauge is 19 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters over stockinette stitch using 4.5mm (US 7) needles, and 32 stitches and 27 rows to 10 centimeters over pattern also using 4.5mm (US 7) needles. Checking gauge before beginning ensures the finished garment will meet the intended measurements.

Skill Level

This pattern is designed for knitters with intermediate to advanced skills, as it requires competency with cable techniques, multiple decreasing methods, and the ability to work shaping while maintaining pattern integrity throughout the garment.