Rowan Column Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Column Knitted Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Column is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 103 cm to 143 cm (40½–56½ inches), making it suitable for a range of body sizes. This is a classic pullover-style jumper constructed using traditional knitting methods.

Construction Techniques

The Column sweater is worked using a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the body pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing the knitter to work back and forth in rows. The pattern includes shaping for armholes and shoulders, as well as detailed neckline shaping on the back piece. The front is worked to match the back with reversed shaping instructions for a symmetrical fit.

Stitches and Patterning

The Column features a patterned stockinette stitch design worked throughout the body. The pattern is chart-based, with the knitter following a stitch pattern repeat from a provided chart. The body is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), beginning with a knit row. The pattern repeat is maintained consistently across all shaping rows, including during armhole decreases and shoulder shaping, ensuring the design remains visually cohesive throughout the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Column is designed to be knitted using Rowan Felted Tweed, a wool-based yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for four coordinating colorways:

• Color A: Treacle 145 – the primary color, used in quantities of 3 balls across all sizes
• Color B: Scree 165 – a secondary color, also 3 balls for all sizes
• Color C: Watery 152 – used in varying quantities from 2–3 balls depending on size
• Color D: Avocado 161 – the fourth colorway, used in 2 balls across all sizes

The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 3¼mm (US 3) needles and 4mm (US 6) needles. The 3¼mm needles are typically used for ribbed edgings or cuffs, while the 4mm needles are used for the main body. The tension is set at 23 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over patterned stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment measurements.

Pattern Details and Fit

The sweater features a classic construction with distinct shaping sections. Armholes are shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then decreasing one stitch at each end over multiple rows to create a fitted sleeve cap. The back neckline includes a holder for live stitches at the center, with each shoulder worked separately to allow for proper neck shaping. The pattern provides specific row counts and stitch numbers for each of the five sizes, ensuring accurate fit across the entire size range.