Rowan Herriot Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Herriot Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Herriot is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in six sizes, ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 in) to 132-137 cm (52-54 in) chest measurements, with corresponding actual chest measurements of the finished garment from 94.5 cm (37¼ in) to 142.5 cm (56 in). The sweater features a structured construction with shaped shoulders, a detailed back neck shaping, and a front neck design that requires careful decreasing to achieve proper fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs several sophisticated shaping techniques throughout the construction. The pattern includes shoulder shaping accomplished through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows in graduated increments. The back neck shaping involves casting off stitches and decreasing at the neck edge over multiple rows to create a refined neckline. The front neck shaping requires decreasing one stitch at the neck edge over successive rows and alternate rows, demonstrating the precision required for this advanced-level garment. The pattern must be maintained consistently throughout all shaping sequences, indicating the presence of a stitch pattern that continues across the entire sweater.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Herriot features a cable pattern as indicated by the inclusion of a cable needle in the required tools. The pattern is worked over a tension of 25 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the patterned fabric using 4mm needles. The pattern must be kept correct throughout all shaping operations, including shoulder cast-offs, neck decreases, and row reductions, requiring knitters to understand how to integrate decreases and cast-offs while maintaining the integrity of the cable design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Herriot is knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn, with 6 to 9 balls of 100-gram weight required depending on the size being made. The photographed sample is shown in the Nutmeg 011 colorway on a size 36-38 in model, with an alternative colorway available in French Navy 016.

The pattern requires three pairs of needles in graduated sizes: 3¼mm (UK no 10 / US 3) needles, 3¾mm (UK no 9 / US 5) needles, and 4mm (UK no 8 / US 6) needles. Additionally, a 3¼mm (UK no 10 / US 3) circular needle no longer than 40 centimeters is needed for the neckband, along with a cable needle for working the cable pattern throughout the sweater.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces: a back and a front. The back piece includes all shoulder shaping and back neck shaping details. The front piece is worked to a point 12 to 16 rows (depending on size) less than the back before shoulder shaping begins, allowing for the front neck shaping to be completed before the shoulders are shaped. The front neck shaping involves dividing the work and shaping each side separately, with stitches held on holders for the neckband application.