Rowan Redshank Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Redshank Sweater by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Redshank is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, 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 141 cm to 182 cm (55½ to 71¾ inches), offering a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for various body sizes.

Knitting Techniques

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row construction of individual pieces including the back, front, and sleeves.

The design incorporates striped colorwork throughout, creating visual interest with carefully planned color sequences. The pattern uses slip stitch techniques combined with stripe work to achieve its distinctive textured appearance.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Redshank employs several key stitch patterns:

• Ribbed Pattern: A 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) forms the welts at the lower edge, worked over approximately 10 cm to create elasticated edges that hold the garment close to the body.
• Slip Moss Stitch Pattern: The main fabric texture uses a slip moss stitch, which involves slipping stitches purlwise while alternating knit stitches. This creates a dense, textured fabric with excellent drape and durability. The slip moss stitch is worked in conjunction with yarn overs and yarn back movements to maintain stitch count while creating the characteristic bumpy texture.

Stripe Sequences

The pattern incorporates two distinct stripe sequences. Stripe Sequence A is worked during the initial slip moss stitch sections, while Stripe Sequence B forms a repeating 48-row pattern that alternates between yarn colors at regular intervals, creating horizontal stripes of varying widths throughout the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Redshank is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn suitable for creating garments with excellent stitch definition and drape. Three yarn colors are required:

• Yarn A - Seashell (color 437): 5-7 x 50g balls depending on size
• Yarn B - Still Grey (color 422): 5-7 x 50g balls depending on size
• Yarn C - Anchor Grey (color 446): 3-4 x 50g balls depending on size

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes. 2¾mm (US 2) needles are used for the ribbed welts, which are worked at a tighter gauge to create elasticity. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the main slip moss stitch sections, worked at a larger gauge to create the textured fabric. A 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle at least 120 cm long is also specified, likely for joining sections or working larger circumferences.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this pattern. The slip moss stitch pattern should measure 34 stitches and 68 rows to 10 cm when worked on 3¼mm (US 3) needles. The ribbed welts should measure 32 stitches and 44 rows to 10 cm when worked on 2¾mm (US 2) needles. Knitters should always swatch and measure before beginning the garment to ensure proper fit.

Pattern Details

The back panel begins with casting on between 237 and 309 stitches depending on size, with increases worked during the ribbed section to accommodate the slip moss stitch gauge. The garment features a structured construction typical of seamed sweaters, with careful attention to stitch counts and pattern alignment across multiple pieces.