Rowan Percale Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Percale Knitted Sweater by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

Rowan Percale is a knitted sweater designed by Sarah Hatton, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements of 104, 114, 124, 134, and 144 cm respectively. This is a classic pullover-style jumper constructed using traditional knitting techniques to create a versatile wardrobe staple.

Techniques Used

Percale is worked using a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the garment pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for careful shaping and precise finishing. The pattern incorporates several key techniques including:

• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base
• Textured patterning created through yarn wrapping and dropped loop techniques, which produces a distinctive percale-like surface texture
• Decreasing and increasing for waist shaping and garment proportioning
• Shoulder shaping worked through strategic cast-off sequences
• Neck shaping with back neck decreases for proper fit
• Ribbed edging using a knit-purl combination for cuffs and waistband definition

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a limited but effective stitch vocabulary. The primary stitches include:

• Knit stitch (K) and purl stitch (P) for stockinette stitch fabric
• Knit-purl ribbing (K2, P2 repeat) for structured edges
• Purl 2 together (P2tog) for decreasing
• Increases (inc) for adding stitches during shaping
• Yarn wrapping worked twice around the needle for textural interest, with extra loops dropped on the following row to create the characteristic percale effect

Materials

Percale is knitted in Cotton Cashmere yarn, a luxurious blend that combines the breathability of cotton with the softness of cashmere. The pattern requires 6, 7, 7, 8, or 9 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on size selected. The photographed sample is shown in the colorway Cinnabar 215.

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric characteristics and drape:

• 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles for the ribbed edgings
• 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) needles for the main body fabric

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit. Using 4mm needles, the pattern specifies 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch, and 18 stitches and 21 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the textured pattern stitch. Checking gauge before beginning ensures the finished sweater will match the intended measurements.

Construction Overview

The sweater begins with the back piece, cast on using 3¼mm needles with a knit-purl ribbed edge for elasticity. The main body is then worked on 4mm needles, incorporating the signature percale texture pattern. Waist shaping is achieved through strategic decreases and increases. Sleeve openings are marked, and the shoulders are shaped through sequential cast-offs. The back neck is shaped with careful decreasing on each side. This methodical construction approach ensures a well-fitted, professional-looking finished garment.