Rowan Fishbone Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Fishbone Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Fishbone is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in six sizes to fit bust/chest measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). The finished garment features actual bust/chest measurements ranging from 92 cm to 142.5 cm, providing a range of fit options for different body types. This is a classic pullover-style sweater suitable for various skill levels.

Construction Techniques

The Fishbone sweater is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, a traditional method where pieces are knitted separately from the lower edges upward and then sewn together. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and modifications. The design incorporates stranded colorwork, evident from the inclusion of both a motif version and a plain version of the sweater, with the motif version featuring contrasting color work.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater begins with ribbed edging, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the lower edge. The ribbing is worked for 6 cm before transitioning to the main fabric. The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch (st st), worked throughout the body and sleeves after the initial ribbed section. This fundamental stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for both plain and stranded colorwork versions. The pattern includes strategic decreasing at the armholes and shoulders to shape the garment, with specific decrease sequences outlined for each size.

Shaping and Garment Structure

The back piece features several shaping elements. After the initial rib section, the pattern continues straight in stockinette stitch until the back measures between 43 and 45.5 cm depending on size. Armhole shaping is achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreasing at each end over multiple rows. The armholes measure between 20 and 27.5 cm in depth across the size range. Shoulder shaping uses a stepped cast-off method, with different stitch counts for each size to create proper slope. The back neck shaping involves casting off center stitches and working each shoulder separately to create a finished neckline.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Fishbone uses Rowan Denim Revive yarn for the primary color. The motif version requires 15-23 balls of 50gm in Darkness 210, with 1 ball of Cream 210 for contrast work across all sizes. The plain version uses 15-23 balls of 50gm in Night 213. Knitting is worked on 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed sections and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. Two double-pointed 3¼mm needles are also required, likely for finishing details such as neckline work.

Pattern Details

This pattern, reference ZB249-00007 v.1, is designed by renowned knitwear designer Martin Storey and published by MEZ Crafts UK Ltd. The pattern provides complete instructions for both a plain version and a motif version, giving knitters flexibility in their finished design. Additional pattern information and resources are available on knitrowan.com for knitters seeking further guidance or yarn substitution options.