Rowan Paige Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Paige Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Paige 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 in) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 in). The finished garment features actual bust measurements of 93.5 cm (36¾ in) at the smallest size, increasing to 133.5 cm (52½ in) at the largest size, making it a versatile design suitable for various body types.

Construction Technique

The Paige sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat method. This traditional approach means the garment pieces are knitted individually in flat rows rather than in the round, starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders. Once all pieces are completed, they are sewn together using seaming techniques to create the finished sweater. This construction method allows for precise shaping and is particularly suited to achieving clean, professional finishing on garment edges.

Knitting Stitches and Techniques

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques throughout:

• Stocking stitch (st st) forms the primary fabric base, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, classic sweater texture
• Rib stitch appears in the opening section, indicated by the K2, P2 repeat pattern, providing elasticity and structure at edges
• Decreases are used extensively for shaping, including K2tog tbl (knit two together through back loop) and P2tog (purl two together) to create tapered armholes and fitted necklines
• Cast-off techniques are employed to bind off stitches at strategic points, including armhole shaping and shoulder construction
• Decreasing at regular intervals—on alternate rows and fourth rows—creates the smooth, graduated shaping typical of well-fitted knitwear

Garment Shaping and Measurements

The Paige features carefully calculated shaping across multiple sections. The back piece measures 41 to 43 cm in length before armhole shaping begins, depending on size. Armhole depth ranges from 20 to 26 cm, with decreases worked over multiple rows to create a smooth curve. Shoulder shaping is achieved through successive cast-offs, while back neck shaping involves decreasing stitches at the neck edge while simultaneously casting off at the shoulder. The front follows similar shaping principles with mirror-image construction for symmetry.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Paige is designed to be knitted using Rowan Denim Revive yarn, a durable and versatile fiber choice. The pattern requires 12 to 17 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the size being knitted. The photographed sample is shown in the Cream 210 colorway, though Rowan Denim Revive is available in multiple colors for creative customization.

Two pairs of needles are required for construction:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed edgings and cast-on rows, creating a tighter gauge for elastic cuffs and borders
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main stocking stitch fabric, the primary working needles for the sweater body

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The specified gauge is 22 stitches and 29 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stocking stitch using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. Maintaining this tension ensures the finished sweater matches the intended measurements and drape. Knitters should always knit a gauge swatch before beginning the main garment to verify their personal tension matches the pattern requirements.

Pattern Details and Complexity

The Paige is graded across five distinct sizes with individual stitch counts and row measurements for each, allowing for precise fitting. The pattern demonstrates intermediate knitting skills, incorporating armhole decreases, shoulder shaping, and neckline construction. The symmetrical front and back pieces, combined with the seamed construction method, make this a structured, classic sweater suitable for knitters with foundational experience in garment construction.