Rowan Cool Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Cool Knitted Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Cool is a knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in). The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 140 cm (55 in) to 180 cm (70¾ in), offering a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for various body types.

Construction Techniques

This sweater is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the back and front pieces are knitted separately from the lower edge upward, then joined together with seams. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row shaping and the ability to easily adjust fit during knitting.

The design incorporates strategic shaping at the shoulders and neckline. The back features a divided neckline with gradual decreases worked over multiple rows to create a smooth, tailored neck opening. The front neckline is similarly shaped with decreases at the neck edge, and both sides are worked separately after the division point to allow for independent shaping of each shoulder.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs knit stitch as the primary stitch throughout the garment. Shaping is achieved through decreases worked at strategic intervals—decreases are made at neck edges on alternate rows and fourth rows to create gradual, professional-looking curves. Cast-off (bind-off) techniques are used to finish the shoulders in stages, creating a stepped shoulder line that provides structure and proper garment fit.

Yarn Options

The Rowan Cool offers flexibility in yarn selection with two distinct colorway combinations:

• Island Blend and Cashmere Haze option: Combines Island Blend in White (900 m total, requiring 12–16 x 50gm balls depending on size) with Cashmere Haze in Polar Night (703 m total, requiring 3–4 x 25gm balls depending on size). This pairing creates a classic contrast between the crisp white base and deep charcoal accent.
• Island Blend and Kidsilk Haze option: Pairs Island Blend in White (900 m total, requiring 12–16 x 50gm balls depending on size) with Kidsilk Haze in Cream (634 m total, requiring 4–5 x 25gm balls depending on size). This combination offers a softer, more delicate aesthetic with the addition of luxurious silk content in the accent yarn.

Both options use Island Blend as the primary yarn, providing a consistent base color while allowing knitters to choose between the elegance of Cashmere Haze or the silky sheen of Kidsilk Haze for contrast details.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to create proper gauge and fabric texture: 4mm (US 6) needles and 4½mm (US 7) needles. The use of two needle sizes allows for ribbing or edging in a tighter gauge on the smaller needles, followed by the main body fabric on the larger needles for a more relaxed drape. Additional notions include approximately 1 meter of 2 cm-wide trim or binding for finishing details.

This sweater pattern is ideal for knitters seeking a classic, well-structured garment with professional shaping and the option to customize with premium yarn choices.