Rowan Marchena Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Marchena Striped Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Marchena is a classic knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). This garment features a sophisticated color-blocked design combining two complementary yarn colors in a structured, fitted silhouette suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Marchena sweater is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the body is knitted from the hem upward, with pieces worked separately and then seamed together for a polished finish. The design incorporates horizontal stripes created by changing between two yarn colors at strategic points in the pattern. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for careful control of shaping and patterning throughout the construction process.

Stitch Techniques

The Marchena employs several key stitches to create its visual appeal and structure:

• Stockinette stitch (st st) forms the foundation of the garment, providing a smooth, classic fabric with a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters
• Moss stitch creates a textured ribbed detail, worked over 2 rows by alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 repeat), establishing a denser fabric with a tension of 25 stitches and 53 rows to 10 centimeters
• Decreases (P2tog) are strategically placed to shape the garment and create fitted shaping at the yoke and neckline
• Chart-based patterning guides the color changes and stitch placement in the yoke section, with a 12-stitch pattern repeat worked across multiple sizes

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Marchena is designed to be knitted with Rowan Island Blend Fine yarn, a premium fiber blend offering excellent stitch definition. Two colorways are featured in this pattern:

• Yarn A (Vellum 101): Required in quantities ranging from 9 to 12 x 50-gram balls depending on size, with the largest size requiring 12 balls
• Yarn B (Lake 105): Required in quantities of 3 to 4 x 50-gram balls across all sizes

Needle Requirements

The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper tension and construction:

• 2¾mm (US 2) needles in a standard pair for ribbed edgings and initial cast-on sections
• 3¼mm (US 3) needles in a standard pair for the main body and pattern work, where the majority of the sweater is knitted
• 2¾mm (US 2) circular needle, no longer than 30 centimeters, or a set of double-pointed needles as an alternative for working the neckline and yoke shaping in the round

Shaping and Finishing Details

The sweater features sophisticated shaping throughout. The back piece is worked straight to a length of 71–79 centimeters (depending on size) before shoulder shaping begins. The yoke incorporates decreases at the neck edge over multiple rows while simultaneously casting off shoulder stitches in stages, creating a tailored fit. The moss stitch detail provides a textured transition between the main body and the patterned yoke section, adding visual interest and structural definition to the finished garment.