Rowan Harper Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Harper Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Harper is a classic knit sweater designed by Quail Studio, available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL. This beginner-friendly pullover features a timeless construction with a crew neckline and set-in armholes, making it an ideal project for knitters new to garment construction.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project that combines fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The sweater employs a straightforward garment construction method, working the back and front pieces separately before assembly. The design incorporates both flat knitting and shaping techniques to create a well-fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – used for the ribbed edging at the cast-on edge, providing elasticity and a finished appearance
• Stocking stitch – the primary stitch throughout the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns
• Decreases – including K2tog (knit two together), S1 K1 psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), and P2tog (purl two together) for shaping armholes and neckline

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Harper is worked using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in the shade Crag 253, with quantities ranging from 8 to 10 balls depending on size selection. Two needle sizes are required: 5mm (US 8) needles for the ribbed edging and 6mm (US 10) needles for the main body. The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 21 rows over 10 centimeters when measured in stocking stitch using the 6mm needles. Stitch holders are also needed to hold stitches during neckline shaping.

Construction Details

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 70 to 84 stitches (depending on size) and opens with 4 rows of garter stitch for a finished edge. The knitter then transitions to 6mm needles and works in stocking stitch until the piece reaches approximately 45 to 49 centimeters in length. Armhole shaping is achieved by casting off 4 stitches at the beginning of two consecutive rows, followed by decreases worked on subsequent rows to create a tapered armhole. Shoulder shaping is completed with additional decreases before casting off.

The front piece follows a similar construction to the back until the neckline shaping begins. The center 10 stitches are placed on a stitch holder, and each shoulder is worked separately with decreases that slope inward toward the neckline, creating a professional neck opening. The decreases are strategically placed using slip-stitch techniques to maintain the integrity of the edge stitches while reducing the stitch count. Both front shoulders are worked to match the length of the back before casting off.

Skill Level

This pattern is classified as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and simple decreases. The straightforward shaping and use of fundamental techniques make the Rowan Harper an excellent introduction to garment knitting.