Rowan Ledyard Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Ledyard Sweater by Amy Herzog

What is Being Made

The Rowan Ledyard is a knitted sweater designed by Amy Herzog, available in a long version. This garment is constructed as a pullover sweater with raglan shaping, designed to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm up to 122-127 cm (32-50 inches), accommodating sizes Small through XXL.

Construction Techniques

The Ledyard sweater is worked using a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward and pieces are sewn together. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which allows for the seaming method used in the final assembly. The design features raglan shaping at the armholes, a classic tailoring technique that creates diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline, providing a comfortable fit through the shoulders and upper arms.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Ledyard employs several fundamental knitting stitches:

• Ribbing (K2, P2): The lower edge begins with a 5 cm deep ribbed cuff worked in a two-knit, two-purl repeat pattern. This elastic ribbing provides structure and helps the garment sit close to the body at the hem.
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The main body of the sweater is worked in stockinette stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This produces the classic smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of most knitted sweaters.
• Decrease and Increase Shaping: The pattern uses standard decreasing techniques (K2tog and slip-knit-pass-slipped-stitch) and increasing techniques (M1, or make one) placed symmetrically before and after markers to create the raglan armhole shaping and waist shaping.

Stripe Sequence and Color Work

The Ledyard features a structured stripe pattern that repeats over 28 rows. The stripe sequence alternates between two yarn colors: yarn B is used for rows 1-2 and 7-22, while yarn A is used for rows 3-6 and 23-26. This creates a balanced, rhythmic color pattern throughout the sweater body, adding visual interest while maintaining the simplicity of stockinette stitch construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Options: The pattern provides flexibility with yarn choices. The primary option uses Rowan Hemp Tweed in two colorways: Pumice (yarn A, requiring 9-13 x 50gm balls depending on size) and Granite (yarn B, requiring 1-2 x 50gm balls). Alternatively, the sweater can be made using Rowan Kid Classic (6-8 x 50gm balls), as shown in the photographed sample in Smoke 831. Hemp Tweed is a linen-blend yarn offering structure and drape, while Kid Classic is a softer mohair-blend option.

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes. Smaller 4½mm (US 7) needles are used for the ribbed cuff, while larger 5mm (US 8) needles are used for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. This needle size differential is a standard technique that ensures the ribbing remains elastic and fitted while allowing the main fabric to have appropriate drape and ease.

Tension and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 25 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) measured in stockinette stitch. Achieving correct tension is essential before beginning the project, as it directly affects the finished garment dimensions and fit. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to match the specified tension.