Rowan Jens Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Jens Knitted Sweater by Arne & Carlos

What is Being Made

The Rowan Jens is a knitted sweater designed by the renowned design duo Arne & Carlos. This garment is constructed as a classic pullover sweater with a fitted silhouette, available in six sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). The finished garment chest measurements span from 100 cm to 149.5 cm, providing options for various fits and styling preferences.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Jens sweater is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pattern employs seamed construction, with separate pieces knitted flat and then sewn together to create the finished garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and professional finishing.

A key design feature of this sweater is the use of stranded colorwork, a technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the back of the work to create patterned designs on the front. This method adds visual interest and texture while maintaining the structural integrity of the knitted fabric. The pattern is worked consistently throughout the garment, with instructions to keep the pattern correct during all shaping operations, including armhole and neck shaping.

The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece (back, front, and sleeves) is knitted as individual flat panels. This approach is ideal for stranded colorwork as it allows the knitter to work back and forth in rows, making color changes and pattern management more straightforward.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a K2, P2 ribbing pattern, which creates an elastic edge that hugs the body and prevents curling. This ribbed section provides both structural support and a polished finish at the lower edge of the garment.

The main body of the sweater features stranded colorwork patterning that continues from the ribbed cuff through the body shaping and into the armhole sections. The pattern requires maintaining stitch accuracy while simultaneously executing decreases for armhole shaping and neck shaping, demonstrating intermediate to advanced knitting skills.

Shoulder shaping is achieved through cast-off decreases worked at regular intervals, creating a sloped shoulder line for a professional fit. Neck shaping involves both cast-off stitches and single-stitch decreases worked at the neck edge, allowing for a smooth, contoured neckline. The back neck features a holder for stitches, indicating that a neckband or collar may be added as a finishing element.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Jens pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed yarn in two colorways:

• Color A: Carbon (shade 159) – required in quantities ranging from 5 to 8 balls of 50-gram weight, depending on size
• Color B: Alabaster (shade 197) – required in quantities ranging from 5 to 8 balls of 50-gram weight, depending on size

Rowan Felted Tweed is a premium yarn blend known for its subtle texture and excellent stitch definition, making it ideal for displaying stranded colorwork patterns. The yarn's characteristics ensure that the color pattern remains crisp and clear throughout the finished garment.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two sizes of needles:

• 3.25mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles – used for the ribbed cuff sections
• 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) needles – used for the main pattern sections

The tension or gauge is specified as 25 stitches and 28 rows measured over 10 centimeters when worked on the 4mm needles over the stranded pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit of the garment. Knitters should always work a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their personal knitting tension matches the pattern requirements.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern provides detailed measurements for armhole depth, ranging from 20 cm to 27.5 cm depending on size, ensuring proper sleeve cap fit and comfortable arm movement. The