Rowan Neath Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Neath Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Neath is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in five sizes ranging from Small to XXL to fit bust measurements of 81-86 cm through 122-127 cm. This garment is crafted using the bottom-up seamed construction method, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, wearable sweater with classic shaping.

Craft and Construction Method

This pattern is designed for knitting and employs a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat construction technique. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with pieces constructed separately and then seamed together. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and pattern work throughout the garment, with careful attention to armhole and shoulder shaping to achieve a well-fitted silhouette.

Techniques Used

• Increases: Strategic increases are worked at each end of rows to shape the body, with increases incorporated into the stitch pattern itself
• Decreases: Multiple decrease methods are employed for armhole shaping, including cast-off decreases at the beginning of rows and single-stitch decreases worked across rows and alternate rows
• Slipped Stitches: The pattern incorporates slipped stitches with yarn held at the wrong side of work to create texture and definition
• Pattern Work: Stitch pattern is maintained throughout shaping, requiring careful attention to keep pattern correct as stitches are increased and decreased
• Seaming: Finished pieces are joined together using seaming techniques appropriate to the stitch pattern
• Neckband Construction: A circular needle is used to pick up and work stitches around the neckline for a finished edge

Stitches Used

While the specific stitch pattern is referenced throughout the instructions as "patt," the pattern note indicates that slipped stitches form a key component of the stitch pattern. These slipped stitches are worked with yarn held at the wrong side of work, creating a textured appearance. The pattern maintains consistent stitch counts and row gauge, indicating a structured stitch pattern that remains consistent across all size variations.

Materials Required

Yarn: Rowan Brushed Fleece in quantities varying by size from 7 to 10 x 50g balls. The photographed sample is shown in Lagoon 259, though other colorways are available.

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles—5mm (US 8) needles and 6mm (US 10) needles—for working the main fabric. Additionally, a 5mm (US 8) circular needle measuring 40 cm long is needed for neckline finishing.

Tension: The pattern is worked to a tension of 14½ stitches and 29 rows over 10 cm measured over pattern using the 6mm (US 10) needles, making accurate gauge essential for proper fit across all sizes.

Pattern Structure

The Neath sweater is constructed in separate pieces: a back panel, front panel, and sleeves (construction details for sleeves continue beyond the provided excerpt). The back is worked first with increases to shape the body, followed by armhole shaping and shoulder shaping. The front follows similar shaping with the addition of neck shaping worked at a specific point in the pattern. All pieces are worked flat and seamed together, with the neckline finished using a circular needle to create a professional edge.