Rowan Jensen Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Jensen Sweater by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Jensen is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is a pullover-style jumper 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). The finished sweater features an actual bust measurement of 104, 114, 124, 134, or 144 cm depending on the chosen size.

Construction Method

The Jensen sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked flat approach. This traditional method means the knitter begins at the lower edge of the garment and works upward toward the shoulders, with pieces knitted flat on straight needles and then seamed together during finishing. This construction technique allows for straightforward shaping at the armholes and neckline.

Knitting Techniques

• Ribbed edging: The pattern begins with ribbed knitting at the lower edge, worked over 20 rows using 4mm needles to create a fitted, elastic finish
• Stockinette stitch: The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) for a smooth, classic fabric
• Intarsia colorwork: The design incorporates intarsia technique, a method for working large areas of contrasting colors by using separate lengths of yarn and twisting them together at color changes to prevent holes
• Shaping: Strategic decreases are worked at the neck edge, and cast-off stitches create the shoulder and back neck shaping for proper garment fit

Stitches Used

• Ribbed knit (K) and purl (P) combinations for the welts
• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure
• Decreases at the neck edge for shaping
• Cast-off stitches for finishing edges and creating structured shoulders

Yarn and Materials

The Jensen sweater is knitted using Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, a durable and easy-care yarn available in two colors for this design:

• Yarn A—Charcoal Grey: 155, 155, 200, 200, or 200 grams (3, 3, 4, 4, or 4 x 100gm balls depending on size)
• Yarn B—Moonstone: 112, 112, 150, 200, or 200 grams (4, 4, 5, 6, or 6 x 100gm balls depending on size)

Two pairs of needles are required: 4mm (US 6) needles for the ribbed cuffs and welts, and 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 4½mm needles.

Pattern Details

The back and front pieces are worked separately from the cast-on edge upward. The ribbed sections provide structure at the hem, and the transition to stockinette stitch on larger needles creates the main garment fabric. The intarsia colorwork is introduced after the initial stockinette rows, with yarn B worked in specific stitch positions to create the design. Armhole shaping occurs after the fabric reaches the specified length, and shoulder shaping is completed with sequential cast-offs. The neckline features decreases worked over multiple rows to create a smooth curve, with stitches held on holders for later finishing of the neckband.