Rowan Cumbria Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Cumbria Knitted Sweater by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Cumbria is a classic knitted sweater designed by Marie Wallin for Rowan. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large, with finished chest measurements from 102 cm to 122 cm (40 to 48 inches). The sweater features a traditional seamed construction with coordinating back and front panels worked identically, plus separate sleeves that are sewn into place.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which means each piece is created as a flat rectangle that is later seamed together to form the finished sweater. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and a professional finish.

The most distinctive design feature of Cumbria is its use of cable knit patterns. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing the characteristic twisted rope-like texture that defines this sweater's visual appeal. The pattern repeats over 48 rows, creating a complex and visually striking design element throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 2x2 rib (alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches). This elastic ribbing is worked for 21 rows before transitioning to the main body of the sweater. The ribbing provides a snug, stretchy edge that helps the sweater maintain its shape.

Once the ribbing is complete, the pattern incorporates strategic increases to shape the sweater body. These increases are worked using M1 (make one) techniques and standard knit/purl decreases, which allow the designer to expand the stitch count from the cast-on edge to the full width needed for the garment body. The cable pattern is then worked across the main section, with the 48-row repeat providing substantial visual interest and texture.

Shaping at the armholes and neckline is achieved through decreases worked at each end of rows, creating a fitted silhouette. The pattern uses work 2 together (work 2 tog) decreases and purl 2 together (P2tog) decreases to reduce stitch counts precisely where needed.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Cumbria is designed to be knitted using Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK yarn, a double-knit weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for cable work. The pattern requires 13 to 16 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on the size being made. The photographed sample is worked in the colorway Bluefaced Leicester Grey Suffolk Marl 784, showcasing how the cable texture is beautifully highlighted in this neutral tone.

Two pairs of needles are required: 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the ribbed cuffs and initial cast-on, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body once the increases have been worked. This needle size progression allows the ribbing to remain elastic while the larger needles create the proper gauge for the cable pattern. A cable needle is essential for manipulating the stitches that form the cable twists throughout the design.

The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it convenient for knitters to access and reference while working on their project.