Rowan Feathery Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Feathery Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Feathery is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is a classic pullover-style jumper available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 110.5 cm to 150.5 cm (43½ to 59¼ inches), providing comfortable ease for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

Feathery is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the back and front pieces are knitted separately from the lower edge upward and then joined together with seams. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and control throughout the construction process.

The design incorporates lace as a key design element, adding visual interest and texture to the finished sweater. The combination of these techniques creates a garment with both structural integrity and decorative appeal.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and texture. Stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) forms the primary fabric, providing a smooth, classic finish. Ribbing is worked using alternating knit and purl stitches in single-stitch ribbing, creating the elastic edging at the cast-on.

Lace elements are incorporated throughout the design, though the specific lace stitch patterns are detailed in the full pattern instructions. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases at the neck and shoulder edges, creating the fitted neckline and sloped shoulders characteristic of a well-constructed sweater.

Materials and Specifications

Feathery is designed to be knitted using Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn, a luxurious fiber blend. The pattern requires 9 to 13 balls of 25-gram weight yarn, depending on the size being made. The yarn shown in the pattern photography is shade Hyacinth 129.

Two sizes of needles are required for this project:

• One pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed edgings
• One pair of 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main fabric

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. Achieving this tension is essential for the garment to fit correctly according to the schematic measurements.

Construction Details

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 127 to 173 stitches (depending on size) using the smaller needles, starting with single-rib edging. The main body is then worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, with lace patterning integrated into the design. Armhole and shoulder shaping are worked through strategic decreases, and the back neck is shaped by casting off stitches and working each shoulder separately.

The front piece is worked similarly to the back but includes additional rows before shoulder shaping begins, allowing for a deeper front neckline. The front neck shaping involves multiple decreases worked at the neck edge over several rows and alternate rows, creating a gradual, flattering curve. Shoulder shaping mirrors the back piece, ensuring proper alignment when seaming.