Rowan Darien Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Darien Striped Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Darien is a knitted sweater designed by Amy Herzog, available in five sizes ranging from Small (81-86 cm bust) to XXL (122-127 cm bust). This is a classic pullover-style jumper constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, featuring an all-over striped pattern created through color work and slip-stitch techniques.

Construction Method

The sweater is worked flat on straight needles and then seamed together, following a bottom-up construction approach. This traditional method involves knitting the back and front pieces separately from the lower edge upward, then attaching the sleeves and seaming the side and sleeve seams. The bottom-up technique allows for easy fitting adjustments and straightforward pattern repeats throughout the garment.

Striping and Color Work Techniques

The Darien features a sophisticated striped pattern created using slip-stitch color work, a technique that produces a textured, multi-colored effect without carrying yarn across large sections. The 12-row pattern repeat alternates between two yarn colors, incorporating knit and purl rows with strategic slip stitches worked with yarn held in back (wyib). This creates visual interest while maintaining structural integrity and preventing excessive bulk from traditional stranded colorwork.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: Used for the cuff and lower edge, providing stretch and a finished appearance
• Stockinette stitch: The foundation stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• Slip stitches: Worked with yarn in back to create the striped pattern without adding bulk
• Make one (M1) increases: Used to shape the garment and distribute increases evenly
• Decreases: Worked at armhole and waist shaping points to create proper fit

Yarn Requirements

The pattern offers two yarn options from Rowan:

Option 1 - Rowan Hemp Tweed: A textured yarn combining hemp and wool fibers. Quantities required are Color A (Cameo, shade 140) in 7-10 balls of 50g depending on size, and Color B (Treacle, shade 134) in 2 balls of 50g for all sizes.

Option 2 - Rowan Kid Classic: A softer, luxury yarn blend. Color A (Tattoo, shade 856) requires 5-7 balls of 50g based on size, and Color B (Drought, shade 876) requires 2 balls of 50g across all sizes.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 4.5mm (US 7) needles for working the ribbed cuffs and edges, and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main body and pattern sections. The larger needle size creates the proper gauge for the slip-stitch pattern while the smaller needles ensure the ribbing remains elastic and neat.

Shaping Details

The Darien incorporates strategic shaping to create a flattering silhouette. The waist is defined through decreases worked over 6-row intervals, followed by corresponding increases to create a gentle A-line shape. Armhole shaping is achieved through cast-offs at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreases, a standard technique for set-in sleeves on seamed garments.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience, as it requires competency with color work, shaping techniques, and the ability to maintain pattern consistency across multiple pieces.