Rowan Lorenzo Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Lorenzo Striped Knit Sweater by Brandon Mably

What is Being Made

The Rowan Lorenzo is a knitted sweater designed by Brandon Mably, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL to fit chest measurements from 97 cm to 127 cm (38 to 50 inches). This is a classic pullover-style jumper constructed using a bottom-up seamed construction method, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, traditional garment-building approach.

Construction Techniques

The Lorenzo sweater employs bottom-up construction, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and are subsequently seamed together to create the finished garment. This technique allows for precise shaping and is particularly well-suited to the striped colorwork featured throughout the design.

The sweater features an extensive striped pattern that repeats over 92 rows, creating a complex and visually striking color sequence. The stripe pattern is introduced after an initial ribbed cuff and continues throughout the body and sleeves, requiring careful attention to yarn changes and color placement.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Ribbed knit: A 1x1 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches) forms the cuff and lower edge, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric throughout the sweater body and sleeves, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Striped stockinette: Stockinette stitch worked in the repeating stripe sequence, integrating four different yarn colors into a coordinated pattern

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Lorenzo is knitted using Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a soft and versatile fiber available in four carefully coordinated colorways:

• Yarn A – Henna (color 891): 1 to 2 x 50gm balls depending on size
• Yarn B – Pumice (color 888): 2 to 3 x 50gm balls depending on size
• Yarn C – Feather (color 828): 3 to 4 x 50gm balls depending on size
• Yarn D – Iron (color 892): 3 to 5 x 50gm balls depending on size

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric characteristics. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the ribbed cuff and initial rows, creating a tighter, more elastic fabric. 5mm (US 8) needles are used for the main body and sleeves in stockinette stitch. A 4mm (US 6) circular needle no longer than 50 cm is also required, likely for neckline finishing. The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 5mm needles, making accurate gauge essential for proper fit across all seven sizes.

Pattern Structure and Complexity

The Lorenzo features a repeating 92-row stripe sequence that cycles through all four yarn colors in a carefully planned arrangement. After the initial ribbed cuff worked over 18 rows, the sweater body is worked in this stripe pattern for approximately 66 to 72 rows (depending on size) before shaping for the armholes and neckline. The stripe sequence requires knitters to manage multiple yarn colors and make frequent yarn changes, adding complexity and visual interest to the finished piece.