Rowan Peaberry Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Peaberry Knitted Sweater by Amy Herzog

What is Being Made

Peaberry is a knitted sweater designed by Amy Herzog for Rowan. This garment is a classic pullover sweater available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). The pattern accommodates a range of body types with graduated sizing options: S, M, L, XL, XXL, and an additional size. The sweater features a traditional fitted silhouette with shaped armholes and a structured neckline.

Construction Techniques

Peaberry is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The sweater is seamed, requiring assembly of individual pieces after knitting is complete. All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, producing separate front and back panels that are later joined together with seaming.

The pattern employs strategic increases and decreases to shape the garment. The back section features paired increases worked symmetrically to create shaping, with a marked stitch serving as a reference point. Armhole shaping is achieved through cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by decreases worked at regular intervals—some on consecutive rows and others on alternating rows—to create a smooth armhole curve. Neck shaping involves decreasing at the neck edge over multiple rows, and shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-offs.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout Peaberry is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional sweaters. The pattern also incorporates a textured stitch pattern on the ribbed sections, featuring alternating knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence. Specifically, the ribbing uses combinations of purl stitches (P) and knit stitches (K) arranged in a pattern of P1, K1, P1, K3 repeats, which creates vertical texture and elasticity at the edges.

Additional techniques include make one increases (M1), which are used to add stitches invisibly within the fabric for shaping purposes, and cast-off (also called bind-off) to secure stitches and finish edges.

Materials and Tools

Peaberry is knitted with Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber. The pattern calls for 5 to 6 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the size being made. The garment shown in the pattern photography is worked in the colorway Pumice 888.

Two pairs of needles are required: 5½mm (US size 9) needles for the main fabric and 6mm (US size 10) needles for certain sections. The pattern specifies a tension (gauge) of 18 stitches and 23 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using the 5½mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit properly.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction including shaping techniques, seaming, and following complex row-by-row instructions across multiple sizes.