Rowan Neat Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Neat Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Rowan Neat is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is a pullover-style jumper available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). The finished sweater features actual bust measurements of 92, 104, 114, 124, and 134 cm respectively, offering a comfortable fit across multiple sizing categories.

Knitting Techniques

Rowan Neat is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edges upward. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished garment. This traditional approach allows for straightforward shaping and provides clear structure during the knitting process.

The pattern incorporates several key shaping techniques throughout construction:

• Ribbed cuffs and waistband created using alternating knit and purl stitches
• Armhole shaping achieved through cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by graduated decreases
• Shoulder shaping using stepped cast-offs
• Neck shaping with decreases worked at the neck edge while simultaneously casting off shoulder stitches
• Separate neckband construction using stitches held on a holder during body shaping

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout Rowan Neat is stockinette stitch (stocking stitch), which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of this design. Ribbed sections at the cuffs and waistband are worked in 2×2 ribbing, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches to create elasticity and definition at garment edges. Shaping is accomplished using knit two together (K2tog) and knit two together through the back loop (K2tog tbl) decreases, as well as purl two together (P2tog) and purl two together through the back loop (P2tog tbl) decreases depending on row direction. These decreases are worked two stitches in from the edges to create neat, finished seam allowances.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Rowan Neat is designed to be knitted in Cotton Cashmere, a luxury yarn blend that combines the breathability of cotton with the softness and warmth of cashmere. The pattern requires 7, 7, 8, 9, or 10 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size selected. The yarn photographed for the pattern is shown in the colorway Faded Denim 222.

The pattern specifies two needle sizes to accommodate the ribbed and stockinette sections:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections including the initial cast-on and neckband
• 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body worked in stockinette stitch

The recommended tension is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and garment fit.

Pattern Structure

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces: a back panel, a front panel with divided neckline shaping, and a neckband. The back is worked first, establishing the basic shape and armhole/shoulder shaping sequence. The front follows the same shaping until the point where neck shaping begins, at which point stitches are divided and each shoulder is worked separately while the center neck stitches are placed on a holder for the neckband. This modular construction approach allows for precise fit and professional finishing through seaming.