Rowan Maio Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Maio Knitted Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Maio is a classic knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches), with actual finished bust measurements between 132.5 cm (52¼ inches) and 172.5 cm (68 inches). The sweater features a structured construction with a fitted silhouette achieved through strategic shaping at the shoulders and neckline.

Techniques Used

The Maio sweater employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished sections are seamed together to create the final garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and a professional finish. The pattern includes detailed instructions for shaping the front and back necklines separately, with decreases worked at specific intervals to create a refined neck opening. Shoulder shaping is incorporated through strategic cast-offs to create proper sleeve cap depth and garment structure.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Maio sweater is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side. The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm (measured over stockinette stitch), which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The neckband and other finishing details utilize standard knitting techniques including decreases at edges for shaping and cast-offs for secure finishing.

Materials

• Yarn: Rowan Island Blend Fine in quantities ranging from 9 to 12 x 50 gram balls depending on size. The sweater is photographed in the colorway Vellum 101.
• Needles: One pair of 2¾mm (US 2) needles and one pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles. The smaller needles are used for the initial cast-on, while the larger needles are used for the main body knitting to achieve the specified tension.
• Notions: Twelve buttons (BN1337 from Bedecked) are required for the front closure.

Pattern Details

The back piece is cast on using the smaller needles and increased to the larger needles for the main body. The front follows a similar construction but includes additional neck shaping worked over multiple rows to create a flattering neckline. Both front and back pieces feature shoulder shaping through graduated cast-offs, with the neck edges decreased gradually to achieve a smooth transition. The pattern provides five different size options with specific stitch counts and shaping instructions for each, ensuring a well-fitted garment across a range of body measurements.