Rowan Paisley Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Paisley Sweater by Kim Hargreaves

What is Being Made

The Rowan Paisley is a classic knitted sweater available in two distinct style variations. The first option is a single polo neck sweater with long sleeves, while the second is a scooped neck sweater with three-quarter length sleeves. Both designs feature a timeless silhouette suitable for everyday wear. The sweater is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with bust measurements fitting 81 to 102 cm (32 to 40 inches).

Knitting Techniques Used

The Paisley sweater is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, with all pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. This traditional approach allows knitters to work the back, front, and sleeves as separate rectangular or shaped pieces that are subsequently seamed together. The pattern incorporates strategic shaping techniques including increases and decreases to create fitted armholes and tailored shoulder shaping. Armhole shaping is achieved through casting off at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreases on alternate rows. Shoulder shaping and neckline shaping are worked using cast-off stitches to create clean, structured edges.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Paisley sweater is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance characteristic of this design. Stocking stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a neat, uniform texture ideal for showcasing yarn qualities.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Paisley sweater offers flexibility in yarn choice, accommodating two different Rowan yarn options depending on the style selected:

• For the Polo Neck Version: Rowan Felted Tweed is recommended, requiring 6 to 8 balls of 50gm each (photographed in the colorway Melody 142). Felted Tweed is a wool-rich yarn that provides structure and durability.
• For the Scooped Neck Version: Rowan Kidsilk Haze is specified, requiring 8 to 11 balls of 25gm each (photographed in the colorway Liqueur 595). Importantly, Kidsilk Haze must be used double throughout, meaning two strands are held together simultaneously to achieve the correct fabric weight and tension.

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric structure:

• 3mm (US 2/3) needles for ribbed edgings and cuffs, creating elastic, fitted edges
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main body and sleeves worked in stocking stitch

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stocking stitch using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. This gauge applies whether working with a single strand of Rowan Felted Tweed or two strands of Rowan Kidsilk Haze held together, ensuring consistent sizing across yarn choices.

Construction Details

The back piece is worked first, beginning with increases worked at regular intervals (every 6th row) to create a fitted silhouette. Once the desired width is achieved, the piece continues straight until the armhole shaping begins. Armholes are shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases on alternate rows to create a smooth, tapered armhole. The back neck and shoulders are shaped through strategic cast-offs that create clean lines. The front is worked similarly to the back but with additional rows before shoulder shaping begins, allowing space for neckline shaping. The neckline is formed by casting off a center group of stitches and working each shoulder separately, with additional decreases to create the characteristic neck opening. This seamed, flat-worked construction method provides excellent control over shaping and creates professional-looking finished seams.