Rowan Snowdon Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Snowdon Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Snowdon is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished chest measurements from 97 cm to 127 cm (38 to 50 inches). The sweater features a sophisticated intarsia colorwork design that creates visual interest across the front, combined with solid-colored sections worked in complementary yarn shades.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create a polished, professional finish:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is worked from the hem upward, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and a traditional garment assembly approach.
• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together for a classic tailored appearance.
• Intarsia colorwork: The front features an intarsia chart worked entirely in stockinette stitch. This technique involves using separate lengths of yarn for different colored sections, creating a smooth, single-layer fabric with no floats on the reverse side. The intarsia design is positioned centrally on the front panel, with solid-colored sections on either side for balance.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces are joined together using seaming techniques, contributing to the garment's structured, finished appearance.
• Raglan shaping: The armholes are shaped using raglan decreases, which create diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline, a classic design feature that provides comfortable arm mobility.
• Ribbed edging: The pattern includes ribbed sections (worked as K3, P3 repeats) that provide elasticity and a professional finish to the garment edges.

Stitches Used

The Snowdon sweater utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side and textured reverse side. The intarsia colorwork chart is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, allowing the color design to be the focal point.
• Ribbed stitch: Knit and purl combinations (K3, P3) create elastic ribbing at the garment edges, providing structure and ensuring the sweater maintains its shape during wear and washing.
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) decreases are used to shape the raglan armholes and neckline, creating smooth, angled shaping lines.
• Increases and cast-off techniques: Standard cast-on and cast-off methods are used to begin and finish sections as directed by the pattern.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Snowdon pattern calls for Rowan Cocoon, a luxurious yarn choice. The pattern specifies two colorways:

• Yarn A – Crag 809: Required in quantities ranging from 5 to 7 x 100gm balls depending on the finished size, providing the primary color for the sweater.
• Yarn B – Clay 825: Required in quantities ranging from 3 to 5 x 100gm balls depending on size, used for the intarsia chart and complementary sections. The pattern notes these are the original photographed shades; current yarn range options are available through knitrowan.com.

Needles: The pattern requires specific needle sizes to achieve the correct tension:

• 6mm (US 10) straight needles: Used for casting on and working ribbed sections with their slightly smaller gauge.
• 7mm (US 10½) straight needles: The primary needles for working the main body in stockinette stitch and intarsia colorwork.
• 6mm (US 10) short circular needle: Included for working sections that may require additional stitch capacity, such as the neckline shaping.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this sweater to fit properly. The pattern specifies 14 stitches and 16 rows to 10 cm (approximately 35 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches) when measured over stockinette stitch using 7mm