Rowan Lidiya Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Lidiya by Kaffe Fassett Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

Lidiya is a knitted sweater designed by renowned colorist Kaffe Fassett for Rowan. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large, fitting bust measurements from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). The sweater is constructed as a classic pullover with shaped armholes, a fitted waist, and tailored shoulders, making it suitable for everyday wear with a sophisticated design aesthetic.

Techniques Used

This sweater is worked using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for straightforward shaping and measurement adjustments as you progress.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together at completion.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are joined using seaming techniques for a polished, professional finish.
• Stranded colorwork: The pattern incorporates stranded knitting, a technique where multiple colors are carried across the back of the work to create intricate patterned designs.
• Striped elements: Color changes are worked in striped sequences throughout the garment for visual interest and design complexity.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. The pattern instructions specify beginning with a knit row and maintaining stockinette stitch as the foundation for the colorwork patterning. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked at specified intervals to create the fitted silhouette.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern uses Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a premium wool blend available in a carefully curated palette of eleven distinct colors. The yarn is worked in 50-gram balls, with quantities varying by size and color. The color palette includes Phantom, Ginger, Melody, Avocado, Watery, Rage, Bilberry, Gilt, Paisley, Seasalter, and Maritime, allowing for rich, sophisticated color combinations characteristic of Kaffe Fassett's design philosophy.

The pattern is worked on 3¼mm (US 3) needles and 3¾mm (US 5) needles, with the smaller size used for ribbed or fitted sections and the larger size for the main body fabric. This needle size range creates appropriate gauge and fabric density for the Rowan Felted Tweed yarn.

Pattern Structure and Shaping Details

The back piece begins with 127–187 stitches depending on size, worked entirely in stockinette stitch. The initial 42 rows establish the lower body. Waist shaping is achieved by decreasing one stitch at each end of the next row and four subsequent sixteenth rows, creating a fitted silhouette. Following the waist decrease section, the pattern includes increases worked at eighth-row intervals to add fullness through the bust area. The back continues straight until reaching approximately 63–67 cm in length, at which point armhole shaping begins with cast-off stitches and graduated decreases. The armhole depth measures 22–26 cm before shoulder and back neck shaping is worked. The front follows a similar construction method with coordinated shaping to ensure proper fit and garment balance.

Design Characteristics

This sweater exemplifies Kaffe Fassett's signature approach to color and pattern in knitwear. The combination of stranded colorwork and striped sequences creates visual depth and movement, while the fitted silhouette with shaped waist and armholes provides a flattering, contemporary garment. The use of Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, known for its soft handle and subtle texture, ensures comfort and durability in a design suitable for both casual and dressed-up occasions.