Rowan Dover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Dover Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Dover is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in six sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 inches). This garment is crafted using Rowan Denim Revive yarn and features a classic pullover construction with shaped armholes and shoulders, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for various skill levels.

Knitting Techniques

The Dover sweater employs several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length before completing the piece.
• Worked Flat: Pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together at the end. This approach provides greater control over pattern placement and shaping.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then joined using seaming techniques, creating clean, professional-looking seams.
• Cable Patterning: The garment features cable stitches that add textural depth and visual complexity to the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Dover utilizes a 24-row repeating pattern that combines several stitch types. The pattern incorporates cable crosses (abbreviated as C8F and C8B), which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like texture. The pattern alternates cable sections with knit and purl stitches, creating a balanced design. Rows 1–22 establish the foundational pattern repeat, with row 23 introducing the cable crosses and row 24 completing the cycle. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases at armholes and shoulders, and decreases are also worked at neck edges to create a refined neckline.

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Dover requires Rowan Denim Revive yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: 12 to 19 balls of 50-gram weight (the photographed sample uses Airforce 212 colorway). Knitters will need one pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbing and initial cast-on, and one pair of 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main body and pattern work. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses that define the pattern. The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the cable pattern using 3¾mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Pattern Construction Details

The back piece is cast on and worked straight until reaching the desired length (approximately 43–45.5 cm depending on size), then armhole shaping begins by casting off stitches at each side and decreasing gradually over several rows. Shoulder shaping is worked at the top of the piece, with strategic cast-offs creating the sloped shoulder line. The neckline is shaped by casting off center stitches and working each shoulder separately with decreases at the neck edge. This structured approach ensures proper garment fit and professional finishing. The pattern includes multiple size options with bracketed stitch counts, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size for their desired finished chest measurement.