Rowan Lambrook Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Lambrook Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Lambrook is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is a fitted pullover sweater available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (size S) through to 122–127 cm (size XXL). The sweater features a traditional crew neckline with shaped shoulders and armholes, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern work. The design incorporates strategic shaping at the armholes, shoulders, and neckline to create a well-fitted silhouette. Front neck shaping is worked by casting off centre stitches and then decreasing gradually on each side to create the crew neckline. Shoulder shaping is achieved through stepped cast-offs at regular intervals, ensuring proper sleeve cap fit when sleeves are eventually attached.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout Lambrook is stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch or st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit side and a purl side. This fundamental stitch is used for the body, sleeves, and all main sections of the garment. The pattern also includes pocket linings that are worked separately in stockinette stitch and later integrated into the main garment pieces, adding functional detail to the design.

Materials and Tools

Lambrook is designed to be knitted with Rowan Purelife Revive yarn, a sustainable yarn choice. The pattern requires 11, 11, 13, 14, or 15 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size being knitted (with the sample photographed in the colorway Granite 464). Two pairs of needles are required: 3¼mm (UK no. 10 / US size 3) needles and 4mm (UK no. 8 / US size 6) needles. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment dimensions.

Construction Details

The back piece is worked first, with the body knitted in stockinette stitch until it reaches the appropriate length before armhole shaping begins. Armholes are shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows on both sides, with markers placed to denote the base of the armhole. The front follows a similar construction but includes additional shaping for the neckline. The front neck is shaped by casting off a group of centre stitches, then working each side separately with gradual decreases to create a smooth crew neckline curve. Shoulder shaping on both back and front is accomplished through stepped cast-offs worked over alternate rows, creating the angled shoulder line necessary for proper garment fit. Pocket linings are prepared as separate pieces using the larger 4mm needles and stockinette stitch, with 39 stitches cast on and worked for 54 rows before being held on a stitch holder for later integration into the main garment.