Rowan Millthorpe Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Millthorpe Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Millthorpe is a knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with corresponding actual garment bust measurements ranging from 102 cm to 142 cm (40–56 in). This is a sophisticated knitwear project featuring decorative design elements that elevate it beyond a basic pullover.

Techniques Used

The Millthorpe sweater is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the hem upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished sections are seamed together to create the complete garment. This traditional construction approach allows for precise shaping and the incorporation of decorative elements.

A distinctive feature of this design is the use of decorative holes and ladders worked into the fabric. These ornamental details are strategically placed on the front of the sweater, with holes concentrated on the lower left front hem area and upper right shoulder region. The pattern provides multiple techniques for creating these decorative elements:

• Tiny holes are formed by working "K2tog, yfwd" (knit two together, yarn forward) sequences over two stitches to create small eyelets
• Horizontal holes are created by casting off 4–6 stitches on one row, then casting on the same number of stitches over the cast-off stitches on the following row
• Vertical ladders are produced by working "M1" (make one) increases between two stitches at the desired ladder location, marking the created stitch with a colored thread, working 10–14 rows, and then deliberately dropping and unraveling the marked stitch down to the original increase point

The back and front pieces are shaped through strategic decreasing at the neck edges, with different stitch counts for each size. The pattern includes detailed instructions for working each side of the neckline separately to achieve proper fit and shaping.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Millthorpe sweater is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric base. The ribbing at the hem and cuffs is worked in 2×2 ribbing (alternating K2, P2 sequences), which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape. The decorative holes and ladders are created through variations of yarn overs, decreases, and intentional dropped stitches, all of which are integrated into the stockinette stitch background.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Millthorpe is designed to be knitted with Rowan Felted Tweed yarn. The pattern calls for 7–10 balls of 50-gram yarn (the exact yardage varies by size), with the photographed sample shown in the colorway Stone 190. Felted Tweed is a wool-rich yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and durability for a structured sweater.

Two needle sizes are required for this project. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the ribbed edgings, while 3¾mm (US 5) needles are used for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. This needle size differential is a common technique in knitting to create tighter, more elastic ribbing that contrasts with the slightly looser gauge of the main fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment dimensions.