Rowan Flash Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Flash Knitted Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

Rowan Flash is a knitted children's sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in four sizes to fit ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10 years. The garment features an actual chest measurement ranging from 62 cm to 82 cm (24½ to 31½ inches), making it suitable for growing children. The sweater includes a front zip opening for easy dressing and removal, and is constructed as a classic pullover-style jumper with raglan sleeves.

Construction Techniques

Rowan Flash is worked using the bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together after completion. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and the incorporation of the front zip opening. The raglan armhole shaping is a key design feature, with decreases worked at regular intervals to create the distinctive sloped shoulder line that connects the sleeves to the body.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features a four-row repeat stitch pattern that combines knit and purl stitches to create texture and visual interest. The pattern instructions specify precise stitch placement, including sequences such as K1 (knit one), P0 or P1 (purl zero or one), creating a structured design. A single knit stitch is maintained at the front opening edge on every row to create a neat, finished edge for the zip installation. The raglan decreases are worked using the knit two together (K2tog) decrease technique to shape the armholes smoothly.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK yarn, a lightweight double knitting weight blend. The yarn quantities vary by size: the largest size requires 8 x 50 gram balls of Bluebird (color 684) for the main color, and 1 x 50 gram ball of Leaf (color 692) for contrast or trim. The pattern is worked using 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbing or edging and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric. The tension is set at 22 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the stitch pattern using 4mm needles. Additionally, a 15 centimeter (4 inch) zip is required as a finishing element for the front opening.

Pattern Details and Sizing

• Size 1 (Age 3-4 years): To fit chest 53-56 cm, actual chest measurement 62 cm
• Size 2 (Age 5-6 years): To fit chest 59-61 cm, actual chest measurement 67.5 cm
• Size 3 (Age 7-8 years): To fit chest 63-66 cm, actual chest measurement 72.5 cm
• Size 4 (Age 9-10 years): To fit chest 69-73 cm, actual chest measurement 80 cm

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as a craft skill level project, indicating it is suitable for knitters with foundational experience in basic techniques such as casting on, knit and purl stitches, decreasing, and seaming.