Rowan Montville Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Montville Knitted Sweater by Amy Herzog

What is Being Made

Montville is a knitted sweater designed by Amy Herzog for Rowan. This garment is a classic pullover jumper available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (small) through to 122–127 cm (extra-extra-large). The sweater features a structured silhouette with fitted waist shaping and armhole construction, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Montville sweater employs bottom-up construction, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles, creating individual sections that are later seamed together to form the complete garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping through strategic increases and decreases positioned at each end of rows to create the fitted waist and armhole shaping.

Key shaping techniques include:

• Waist decreasing and increasing for a contoured fit
• Armhole shaping through cast-off stitches and graduated decreases
• Shoulder and back neck shaping for proper garment structure
• Make-one (M1) increases incorporated into ribbed sections for seamless stitch distribution

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches to create visual interest and texture:

• Ribbing (K1, P1): Used at the lower edge for approximately 6.5 cm to create an elastic, fitted cuff that helps the garment retain its shape
• Stockinette stitch variations: The main body features a four-row repeating pattern alternating knit and purl rows (K1, P1 on one row followed by purl rows), creating a subtle textured surface
• Garter stitch elements: Purl rows are worked to establish the patterned texture

Materials

The Montville pattern accommodates two yarn options, allowing knitters to choose based on preference and availability:

Hemp Tweed (primary option): Quantities range from 10 x 50g balls for smaller sizes to 15 x 50g balls for the largest size (XXL). The pattern was photographed in Teal 131, showcasing the yarn's natural texture and color depth.

Kid Classic (alternative option): Quantities range from 7 x 50g balls for smaller sizes to 10 x 50g balls for larger sizes. The alternative colorway shown is Pumice 888, offering a lighter aesthetic.

Needles required:

• 1 pair of 4½mm (US 7) straight needles for working the main fabric
• 4½mm (US 7) circular needle, minimum 120 cm length
• 1 pair of 5mm (US 8) straight needles
• 5mm (US 8) circular needle, minimum 120 cm length

The inclusion of both needle sizes accommodates ribbing and main pattern sections, while the circular needles provide options for seamless finishing or working in the round if desired. Additional pattern information and yarn sourcing details are available on knitrowan.com.