Rowan Carmel Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Carmel Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Carmel is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in five sizes ranging from small (to fit bust 81-86 cm) through to extra-extra-large (to fit bust 122-127 cm). This is a classic pullover-style jumper suitable for various skill levels, constructed using traditional knitting methods with a focus on clean, structured shaping.

Techniques Used

The Carmel sweater is worked using several key knitting techniques that create a well-fitted garment:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for straightforward measurement and fitting adjustments as you progress
• Flat knitting: Pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together at the end
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are knitted separately and joined using seaming techniques for a professional finish
• Striped colorwork: The design incorporates stripes created by changing between yarn colors at designated rows, adding visual interest to the finished sweater
• Shaping techniques: Strategic increases and decreases are used to create armholes, neck shaping, and shoulder slopes that ensure proper fit and garment structure

Stitches Used

The Carmel pattern primarily features stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st in the pattern), which is the fundamental stitch throughout the garment. Stockinette stitch creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance that is characteristic of this sweater design. The pattern also incorporates basic shaping stitches including knit stitches (K) and decreases (dec) worked at strategic points to create the armhole, neck, and shoulder shaping required for proper garment construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Carmel is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece, a soft and textured yarn that creates a cozy, tactile fabric. Three complementary colorways are used to create the striped effect:

• Yarn A: Tarn 254 (main color, 5-7 x 50gm balls depending on size)
• Yarn B: Peat 262 (accent color, 1-2 x 50gm balls depending on size)
• Yarn C: Moor 255 (accent color, 1-2 x 50gm balls depending on size)

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to create proper fabric tension and structure:

• 5mm (US 8) straight needles for ribbed edgings and initial cast-on
• 6mm (US 10) straight needles for the main body stockinette stitch
• 5mm (US 8) circular needle, 40 cm long, used for neckline finishing

Tension: The pattern specifies a working tension of 13 stitches and 19 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using the 6mm (US 10) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the sweater to fit properly across all five size options.

Pattern Structure and Construction Details

The back piece begins with a cast-on worked on 5mm needles, followed by 5 rows of ribbing. The piece then transitions to 6mm needles and stockinette stitch, with increases worked at each end on the next row and then on every sixth row thereafter, creating a total of 60 to 92 stitches depending on the chosen size. The back continues straight until it reaches the specified length before armhole shaping begins. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by decreases worked at the edges and at regular intervals. Shoulder and back neck shaping is completed with additional cast-offs to create the proper shoulder slope and neck opening. The front piece follows a similar construction method but includes additional neck shaping worked over fewer rows than the back, creating the characteristic neckline depth. This downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for creating a finished, wearable sweater in any of the five available sizes.