Rowan Pony Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Pony Striped Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Rowan Pony is a classic pullover sweater designed by Lisa Richardson. This knitted garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished chest measurements from 97 cm (38 inches) to 127 cm (50 inches). The sweater features a crew neckline and is constructed as a timeless wardrobe staple suitable for various occasions and styling preferences.

Construction Technique

This sweater is worked flat on straight needles and assembled using seaming, which is a traditional method for creating professional-looking garments. The pieces are knitted separately—including the back, front, and sleeves—and then joined together at the seams. This bottom-up construction approach means knitters begin at the lower edge of each piece and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline, allowing for easy adjustments and fitting as the work progresses.

Stripe Pattern

The design incorporates horizontal stripes created through color changes in the yarn. The pattern alternates between two distinct colors: Rowan Hemp Tweed in Granite (yarn A) and Rowan Hemp Tweed in Teal (yarn B). The striping is achieved by working rows in stockinette stitch with one color, then breaking off and joining the contrasting color to continue. This technique creates bold, regular horizontal bands throughout the body and sleeves of the sweater.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Rowan Pony is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, flat fabric with a recognizable V-pattern on the right side. The pattern also includes knit stitches (K) for shaping and construction details. Shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases at the neckline and shoulders to create proper garment fit. The lower edge begins with a folded hem created by knitting a row on the wrong side to form a fold line, providing a neat, finished edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Rowan Hemp Tweed yarn in two colorways. Knitters will need 9 to 14 balls of 50-gram weight in Granite (yarn A) and 2 balls in Teal (yarn B), depending on the chosen size. The yardage requirements scale with size to accommodate the various finished measurements.

Two pairs of needles are required: 4mm (US 6) needles for the ribbed or initial cast-on sections, and 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 25 rows measured over 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch using the 4½mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The sweater is constructed in four main pieces: a back panel, a front panel, and two sleeves. The back and front are worked to the armhole depth, then shaped at the shoulders. The front includes additional shaping at the neckline, with stitches placed on holders to be worked separately for each shoulder. The sleeves are worked straight and then seamed into the armholes. This modular approach allows knitters to work systematically through each section before assembly.