Rowan Plover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Plover Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Plover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is a classic pullover jumper available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements of 112 cm, 122.5 cm, 132 cm, 142.5 cm, and 152 cm respectively across the size range.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Plover employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The garment construction begins with stockinette stitch for the body foundation, followed by moss stitch patterning, which creates a textured, reversible fabric. The pattern involves strategic shaping through decreasing and casting off at the shoulders and neckline to create proper garment structure. The design includes separate shaping for the front and back pieces, with the front featuring a deeper neckline than the back, requiring careful neck edge decreasing worked over multiple rows and alternating rows to achieve a gradual, professional curve.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – used for the initial foundation rows of the garment
• Moss stitch – the primary textured stitch used throughout the main body and shoulder shaping, requiring careful attention to stitch pattern continuity during decreases and cast-offs
• Knit stitch (K) – foundational stitch used to begin the stockinette section
• Decreasing (dec) – worked at neck edges to create shaping, performed on consecutive rows and alternating rows as specified
• Casting off (cast off) – used extensively for shoulder shaping and finishing edges

Materials and Tools

The Plover is knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn, with 6 to 9 balls of 100gm weight required depending on the size selected. The pattern is photographed in the colourway Feather 001, with an alternative colourway option available in Peony 019. Three needles are required: one pair of 3¼mm (UK no 10 / US 3) needles, one pair of 4mm (UK no 8 / US 6) needles, and one 3¼mm (UK no 10 / US 3) circular needle measuring no more than 40 cm in length. The tension specification is 22 stitches and 39 rows to 10 cm measured over moss stitch using the 4mm needles, making this an important measurement to achieve for proper garment fit.

Pattern Structure and Complexity

As an intermediate-level project, the Rowan Plover requires knitters to manage multiple techniques simultaneously. The pattern involves working back and front pieces separately with different shaping sequences, maintaining moss stitch pattern accuracy while performing decreases and cast-offs, and managing stitch counts across multiple size options. The neckline shaping is particularly detailed, requiring decreases worked at specific intervals and the use of stitch holders to manage stitches during construction. The circular needle is used for the neckband finishing, adding another element to the garment assembly process.