Rowan Glenda Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Glenda Sweater by Amanda Crawford

What is Being Made

Glenda is a knitted sweater designed by Amanda Crawford for Rowan. This garment is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements of 81-86 cm (size S) through 122-127 cm (size XXL), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The sweater features a classic construction with a patterned design worked throughout the body and sleeves.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat approach. The garment pieces are knitted individually in flat rows rather than in the round, and are then seamed together to create the finished sweater. The bottom-up construction method means knitters begin at the lower edge of the back and front panels, work upward to the armholes, and then continue to the shoulders, providing a logical and intuitive building process.

The pattern incorporates cable techniques as indicated by the special abbreviations provided. Knitters will use a cable needle to create decorative twisted stitch effects throughout the garment. The specific cable stitches used are C2B (cable 2 back) and C2F (cable 2 front), which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, working stitches in a different order, and then working the held stitches to create the characteristic twisted appearance of cable knit textures.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting stitches:

• Knit through back loop (K1 tbl) - creates a twisted stitch variation used at pattern edges
• Purl (P) - used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and definition
• Stockinette stitch (st st) - the foundational smooth stitch used in sections of the garment
• Cable stitches (C2B and C2F) - decorative twisted stitches that form the primary pattern motif

The pattern is worked in a repeating sequence that maintains consistency across the back, front, and sleeves of the sweater.

Materials Required

Yarn: This pattern calls for Rowan Wool Cotton, a blend yarn that combines the properties of wool and cotton for a garment with good drape and breathability. The yardage required varies by size: 12 balls for size S, 14 balls for size M, 15 balls for size L, 17 balls for size XL, and 19 balls for size XXL. Each ball weighs 50 grams. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Cypress 968. For current color availability and the complete Rowan yarn range, knitters can visit the official Rowan website.

Needles: Two different needle sizes are required to achieve proper tension and create texture variation. The pattern uses 3.25mm (US size 3) needles for ribbed edgings and 3.75mm (US size 5) needles for the main body and pattern work. A cable needle is also necessary for working the cable stitches throughout the design.

Tension and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension of 30 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the stitch pattern using the 3.75mm (US 5) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the sweater to fit properly across the bust and maintain the intended drape and appearance of the cable pattern.