Rowan Howe Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Howe Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Rowan Howe is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with corresponding actual garment bust measurements between 111.5 cm and 151.5 cm. The sweater features a classic construction with shaped armholes, tailored shoulders, and a divided front neckline, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for various body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sweater employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The primary construction method is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric throughout the body of the garment. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing at armholes and shoulders, allowing the sweater to fit closely to the body while maintaining structural integrity. The pattern includes cast-off techniques for creating finished edges at the armholes and shoulders. Additionally, the front neckline features a divided construction that requires working each side separately, a technique that adds visual interest and allows for proper neck shaping. The back neck shaping involves careful decreasing at the neck edge to create a comfortable neckline opening.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The sweater is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (st st), which alternates knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to create the characteristic smooth, V-textured fabric. The pattern includes a special cable stitch abbreviation, C4F (Cable 4 Front), which involves slipping two stitches onto a cable needle, holding them at the front of the work, knitting the next two stitches, and then knitting the two stitches from the cable needle. This cable technique adds textural detail and visual complexity to the design. The front neckline incorporates a ribbed section using K1, P1 (knit one, purl one) ribbing, which provides elasticity and a refined finish at the neckline opening. The pattern also uses make one (M1) increases to add stitches where needed for shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Rowan Howe is designed to be worked in Rowan Moordale yarn, with five 100-gram balls required to complete the sweater. The yarn is photographed in the Pepper 002 colorway, which provides a neutral, versatile base for this classic design. An alternative colorway, Orange Peel 018, is also available for those seeking a bolder color option.

The pattern calls for two pairs of needles in different sizes to create proper gauge and fabric texture. 3¼mm (UK size 10, US size 3) needles are used for ribbed sections, while 4mm (UK size 8, US size 6) needles are used for the main stockinette stitch fabric. A cable needle is also required to work the cable stitch elements.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the sweater fits properly across all five size options and maintains the intended drape and structure of the finished garment.

Construction Details

The sweater is constructed using a traditional flat-knitting method, with separate pieces for the back and front that are later seamed together. The back piece is worked straight until the armholes are shaped by casting off stitches at each edge, followed by decreasing one stitch at each end over several alternating rows. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through a series of cast-offs at the beginning of rows, creating a stepped shoulder line. The front follows a similar construction to the back but includes a divided neckline that requires working the left and right sides separately after dividing the stitches. The back neck shaping involves casting off center stitches and then decreasing at the neck edge on each side while simultaneously completing the shoulder shaping.