Rowan Lady of the Lake Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Lady of the Lake Knitted Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Lady of the Lake is a knitted sweater designed by Kaffe Fassett, available in five different bust sizes ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). This garment is constructed as a classic pullover sweater with fitted armholes and shaped shoulders, suitable for intermediate to advanced knitters seeking a patterned knitwear project.

Construction Method

This sweater is worked using a bottom-up, seamed construction method. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning the back, front, and sleeves are knitted as separate flat panels that are later sewn together. This approach allows for easier pattern management and is a traditional method for garments featuring complex colorwork.

Techniques Used

The Lady of the Lake employs multiple advanced colorwork techniques to create its distinctive patterned design:

• Intarsia technique: Used for larger blocks of color within the pattern, intarsia involves carrying yarn only where needed rather than across the entire row, reducing bulk and creating a smooth fabric surface.
• Fair Isle technique: This method is used alongside intarsia to create smaller repeating patterns, involving stranding yarn across the back of the work where colors change within a row.
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The base stitch throughout the entire garment, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric that showcases the colorwork pattern.
• Ribbing: Used for the lower edge and cuffs to create elasticity and a finished appearance. The pattern specifies a 2×2 rib (alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches).

Stitches Used

The primary stitches in this pattern are straightforward and fundamental to knitting:

• Knit stitch (K): The main stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch sections.
• Purl stitch (P): Used in the ribbed edging and as part of the 2×2 rib pattern.
• Cast-on and cast-off: Standard techniques for beginning and finishing the knitted pieces.
• Decreases: Single decreases at armholes and neck shaping to create the garment's fitted silhouette.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Lady of the Lake uses Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a wool-based yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for colorwork projects. The pattern requires multiple colors from this yarn line:

• Yarn A – Scree (165): 3–4 x 50gm balls depending on size, serving as a primary color.
• Yarn B – Seasalter (178): 2–3 x 50gm balls, a secondary color throughout the design.
• Yarn C – Frozen (185): 1 x 50gm ball for accent colorwork.
• Yarn D – Peony (183): 1 x 50gm ball for pattern detail.
• Yarn E – Zinnia (198): 1 x 50gm ball for additional color variation.
• Yarn F – Pink Bliss (199): 1 x 50gm ball for pattern elements.
• Yarn G – Electric Green (203): 1 x 50gm ball for vibrant accent color.
• Yarn H – Turquoise (202): 1 x 50gm ball for tonal variation.
• Yarn I – Lotus Leaf (205): 1 x 50gm ball for pattern detail.
• Yarn J – Iris (20): Partial ball for finishing details.

Needles required: The pattern calls for two needle sizes. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the ribbed edging to create a tight, elastic cuff. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the main body and pattern sections