Rowan Maree Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Maree Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Maree is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through to XXL (to fit bust 122-127 cm / 48-50 in). The sweater features a structured construction with distinct front and back sections, including a divided front panel design that creates visual interest and architectural shaping.

Construction Technique

The Maree sweater is worked using a bottom-up, seamed, flat knitting method. This traditional approach means the garment is constructed from the lower edge upward, with individual pieces knitted flat on straight needles before being sewn together. The pattern begins with the back panel, followed by separate left, centre, and right front sections that are worked individually and later joined. This technique allows for precise shaping and control over the garment's fit and proportions.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater employs two primary stitch techniques:

• Ribbing: The lower edge of each section begins with 16 rows of knit-purl ribbing (alternating K1, P1 across rows). This elastic ribbing creates a fitted edge that helps the sweater maintain its shape and provides comfortable wear at the hem and cuffs.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the sweater is worked in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit face and reverse purl back. This stitch is worked over the majority of the garment length after the ribbed cuff sections.

Strategic decreasing is incorporated throughout the pattern to shape the armholes and neckline, with decreases worked on specific rows to create a tailored silhouette.

Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in the shade Heath 256 (as shown in the photographed sample). The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 8 to 12 balls of 50-gram weight, providing approximately 400-600 meters of yarn depending on the finished size.

The pattern specifies two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric weight and drape:

• 5mm (US 8) needles: Used for the ribbed sections and initial cast-on rows, creating a tighter, more elastic fabric.
• 6mm (US 10) needles: Used for the stockinette stitch body sections, creating a slightly more relaxed gauge suitable for the main sweater fabric.
• 5mm (US 8) circular needle, 40 cm long: Included for techniques such as picking up stitches or joining sections as needed.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is designed to achieve a tension of 13 stitches and 19 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using 6mm (US 10) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit across all five size options.

Skill Level

The Rowan Maree is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. The pattern requires competency in basic techniques including casting on, ribbing, stockinette stitch, decreasing for shaping, and seaming pieces together. The divided front panel construction adds moderate complexity to the design.