Rowan Hooded Tunic Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Hooded Tunic by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Hooded Tunic is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Sarah Hatton, featuring a hood and a front opening detail. This garment is worked as a tunic-length piece, suitable for a relaxed, comfortable fit. The pattern is available in four sizes: Small (to fit bust 81-86 cm), Medium (91-97 cm), Large (102-107 cm), and Extra Large (112-117 cm).

Construction Method

This tunic is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat technique. The body is knitted flat on straight needles, beginning at the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. Pieces are then seamed together to create the finished garment. The front features a divided opening with a ribbed band detail, while the hood is integrated into the neckline shaping.

Knitting Techniques

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) – The primary fabric throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance
• Ribbing – Used for the front opening edge and hood shaping, created by alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 pattern) to provide elasticity and structure
• Decreases – Multiple decrease techniques are employed for shaping, including knit two together (K2tog) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) decreases, worked at regular intervals to shape armholes and side seams
• Increases – Make one (M1) increases are used to add stitches at specific points, particularly for expanding the body width and shaping the hood opening
• Cast-on and Cast-off – Standard cast-on techniques begin the piece, while cast-off secures stitches at armholes and completion

Stitch Details

The tunic is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, drapable fabric ideal for a tunic silhouette. The front opening incorporates a ribbed band worked in a K1, P1 alternating pattern, providing both visual interest and functional structure. Armhole and side seam shaping is achieved through strategic placement of decrease rows, with decreases worked every 6th row during the armhole shaping phase and every 12th row during body expansion. The hood shaping involves both cast-on stitches for the front opening extension and carefully placed increases to create the proper dimensions.

Materials

The pattern calls for All Seasons Cotton yarn by Rowan, a breathable fiber suitable for year-round wear. The yardage requirement varies by size: 12 x 50gm balls for Small, 13 x 50gm for Medium, 15 x 50gm for Large, and 17 x 50gm for Extra Large. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Wisteria 229.

Two pairs of needles are required: 4mm (US 6) needles for ribbed sections and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main body. The gauge (tension) should be verified by knitters before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Design Features

The tunic incorporates a hood integrated into the neckline, created through strategic increases and the addition of cast-on stitches at the front opening. The front opening itself is a distinctive design element, divided down the center and finished with a ribbed band that provides both structure and a polished appearance. Armhole shaping is accomplished through cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked at regular intervals to create a proper sleeve cap. The body maintains a tunic length, extending well below the hip for a contemporary, relaxed silhouette.