Rowan Porlock Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Porlock Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Rowan Porlock is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 in) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 in). The finished garment features actual bust measurements of 97, 107, 117.5, 127.5, and 138 cm respectively. This is a classic pullover-style jumper suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

Porlock is constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning pieces are knitted as individual flat sections. Assembly is achieved through seaming, where finished pieces are sewn together to form the complete sweater. The sweater is constructed bottom-up, beginning with the lower edges and working upward toward the neckline. Raglan armholes are shaped into the design, creating a distinctive diagonal seam line that runs from the underarm to the neckline, which is a classic and flattering sweater silhouette.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern incorporates cable stitches as a primary design element, with specific cable techniques including C4B (cable 4 back), which creates the characteristic twisted rope-like texture. The stitch pattern is built on a foundation of knit and purl stitches arranged in a structured repeat. The cable panel measures 21.5 cm and contains 62 stitches, creating substantial visual focal points across the sweater. Additional shaping techniques include slip-stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-together decreases (K2tog) for raglan shaping, along with purl-together decreases (P2tog and P2tog tbl) for refined edge finishing. The pattern repeat is established over 4 rows and continues straight across the body until armhole shaping begins.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Rowan Porlock is knitted using Softyak DK, a double-knitting weight yarn from Rowan. The pattern requires between 10 and 14 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the size selected (10 balls for the smallest size, increasing to 14 balls for the largest). The photographed version is shown in Tuscan Red 253. Knitting needles required include 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed edgings and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric. A cable needle is essential for working the cable stitches. The tension is established at 23½ stitches and 32 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern using 4mm needles, which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements.