Rowan Petunia Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Petunia Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

Petunia is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is available in eight sizes ranging from 81 cm to 117 cm bust measurements (32 to 46 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The sweater features a traditional pullover construction with set-in armholes and a shaped neckline, offering a timeless silhouette perfect for everyday wear.

Construction Techniques

Petunia is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and are subsequently seamed together to create the finished sweater. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and control over the garment's fit throughout the construction process.

The pattern incorporates strategic decreasing techniques for armhole shaping, with decreases worked at regular intervals—initially on consecutive rows, then transitioning to alternate rows, and finally to every fourth row. This graduated decrease method creates smooth, professional-looking armholes. Shoulder shaping is achieved through stepped cast-offs at the beginning of rows, while the back neck is shaped by casting off a center section and working each shoulder separately to create a properly proportioned neckline.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout Petunia is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric that forms the main body of the sweater. The lower edge features a ribbed cuff worked in a repeating pattern of knit three, purl three (K3, P3 rib), which provides elasticity and helps the sweater sit securely at the waist. This rib pattern is worked for 14 additional rows beyond the initial setup rows, creating a substantial ribbed band approximately 7.5 cm deep that adds both visual interest and functional stretch to the garment.

Decreasing techniques include purl two together through the back loop (P2tog tbl) and standard purl two together (P2tog) decreases, which are worked symmetrically at each end of rows to create balanced armhole shaping. The pattern also employs knit stitches in the ribbed sections and uses casting off techniques for finishing edges and shaping shoulders.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Petunia is designed to be worked in Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn ideal for creating garments with drape and breathability. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 8 to 11 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on the finished bust measurement selected. The 4ply weight creates a refined fabric with excellent stitch definition, perfect for showcasing the ribbed and stockinette stitch patterns.

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper tension and construction. 2.75 mm (US 2) needles are used for the ribbed cuff and other ribbed sections, as their smaller diameter helps create the necessary elasticity and tightness in the rib. 3.25 mm (US 3) needles are used for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. Additional notions include a 2.75 mm (US 2) circular needle and two 2.75 mm (US 2) double-pointed needles, which are typically used for working the neckline ribbing in the round to create a neat, professional finish.

Tension and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 3.25 mm (US 3) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring the sweater fits properly across all eight size options.