Rowan Forge Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Forge Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Rowan Forge is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in six size options ranging from 81-86 cm to 132-137 cm chest measurements. This garment is suitable for intermediate knitters and features a classic pullover construction with raglan armhole shaping and a shaped front neckline.

Construction Method and Techniques

The sweater is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edges upward and then joined together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join the front, back, and sleeve pieces. This traditional method allows for precise shaping and control over the finished dimensions.

The design incorporates raglan armhole shaping, a technique that creates diagonal decreases from the underarm toward the neckline, resulting in a comfortable, sloped shoulder line. The front features neck shaping with strategic decreases worked simultaneously with the raglan shaping, creating a refined neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The primary stitch used throughout the sweater is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. The pattern also incorporates garter stitch (g st), which produces a textured, reversible fabric created by knitting every row.

Shaping is achieved through various decrease techniques including:

• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Knit two together through back loop (K2tog tbl) – a left-leaning decrease variation

These decreases are strategically placed at raglan edges and neckline to create smooth, professional-looking shaping.

Yarn Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Moordale yarn in two colorways:

• Nutmeg 011 – the main color, requiring 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, or 7 x 100gm balls depending on size
• Oxford Blue 009 – a contrast color, requiring 1 x 100gm ball for all sizes

Moordale is a premium yarn choice that provides structure and definition for this tailored sweater design.

Needles and Tension

The pattern requires two needle sizes to create proper fabric density and structure:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles – used for cast-on and ribbing sections
• 4mm (US 6) needles – used for the main body and sleeves

Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm over stockinette stitch, and 23 stitches and 40 rows to 10 cm over garter stitch, both measured using 4mm needles. Proper tension ensures the finished garment matches the intended chest measurements and drape.

Pattern Structure

The sweater consists of separate back, front, and sleeve pieces. The back and front are worked with raglan armhole decreases that continue into the shoulder shaping. The front includes additional neck shaping that occurs simultaneously with the raglan decreases, requiring careful attention to multiple decrease sequences. This sophisticated shaping technique creates a well-fitted garment with professional finishing.