Rowan Docking Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Docking Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Rowan Docking is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL to fit chest measurements from 38 cm to 50 inches (approximately 97 to 127 cm). This is a versatile pullover sweater suitable for everyday wear, photographed in the colorway Misty 903.

Construction Technique

The Docking sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat method. This traditional approach involves knitting the back and front pieces separately in flat rows on straight needles, then seaming the pieces together. The bottom-up construction means you begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater features a ribbed pattern as its primary stitch structure. The rib pattern is established over the first two rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * to end
• Row 2: P2, *K2, P2, repeat from * to end

This 2x2 rib creates vertical columns of knit and purl stitches that provide elasticity and structure. The ribbed pattern is worked at the lower edge for approximately 8 cm before transitioning to the main pattern. The rib continues throughout the construction, with shaping incorporated by increasing or decreasing stitches as needed for proper fit at the waist and armholes.

Shaping and Fit Details

The sweater incorporates strategic shaping at the neck and shoulders. The back piece begins with cast-on stitches ranging from 110 to 146 stitches depending on size, worked in rib before transitioning to the main pattern. The front piece follows a similar construction but includes front neck shaping that occurs 22 to 26 rows before the back reaches its shoulder shaping point. Neck decreases are worked gradually over multiple rows and alternate rows to create a smooth, contoured neckline. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, with different stitch counts for each size to ensure proper fit and garment drape.

Materials and Tools

The Docking sweater is knitted using Rowan Wool Cotton yarn, a blend that combines the warmth of wool with the breathability of cotton. The pattern requires 11 to 17 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size selected, providing ample yardage for the complete garment.

The needles required include:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed sections and initial cast-on
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main pattern sections
• 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle no longer than 40 cm for neckline finishing

Tension and Gauge

The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm measured over the pattern using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as variations will affect the finished chest measurement and overall dimensions of the sweater.