Rowan Scarborough Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Scarborough Knitted Sweater by Sarah Hatton

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Scarborough is a knitted sweater designed by Sarah Hatton, available in five sizes to fit chest measurements of 88, 96, 104, 112, and 120 cm. This is a classic pullover-style jumper featuring a structured silhouette with shaping at the armholes and shoulders, suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished sections are seamed together to create the final garment. The pattern incorporates cable stitch work as a decorative design element, with a central body panel featuring cable detailing that runs vertically down the front of the sweater.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The sweater combines several stitch techniques throughout its construction:

• Ribbed edging: The lower edge and cuffs are worked in rib stitch for elasticity and a fitted finish
• Stockinette stitch: The main body fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Cable stitches: A central body panel features cable work, created using cable needle techniques such as C3B (slip next stitch onto cable needle and leave at back of work)
• Shaping stitches: Decreases are worked at regular intervals to shape the armholes and neckline, with cast-off stitches used to define the shoulder line and back neck opening

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Rowan Scarborough is designed to be knitted using Rowan Original Denim yarn, with the pattern photographed in the colorway Memphis 229. The yarn requirement varies by size: sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL each require 19, 21, 22, 24, and 24 balls respectively of 50-gram weight yarn. This denim yarn is a specialty fiber that will shrink upon first washing, and the pattern includes allowances for this shrinkage in the finished measurements.

Needles and Tools Required

The pattern calls for specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge:

• 1 pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections
• 1 pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body fabric
• A 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle for neckline finishing
• A cable needle for working cable stitches

Gauge and Tension Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters over stockinette stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles before washing. After washing, the denim yarn will contract to 20 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters. This significant change in row gauge after washing is characteristic of denim yarn and has been accounted for in the pattern sizing. Knitters should swatch and wash their gauge swatch to verify measurements before beginning the sweater.

Construction Overview

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces: a back panel, front panel with central cable detailing, and sleeves. The back begins with cast-on stitches worked in ribbing, then transitions to stockinette stitch on larger needles. Armhole shaping is achieved by decreasing stitches at each end over several rows. The front follows a similar construction but features a prominent cable panel worked over the central stitches while the side sections remain in stockinette. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-offs, and the neckline is shaped by casting off center stitches and working each shoulder separately. Once all pieces are complete, they are seamed together to create the finished garment.