Rowan Stingray Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Stingray Striped Knit Sweater by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Stingray is a classic knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). This garment is crafted using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight linen-blend fiber ideal for warm-weather wear. The finished sweater features a contemporary striped design that runs throughout the body, cuffs, and neckband, creating visual interest and dimension.

Techniques Used

The Stingray employs several key knitting techniques to construct a polished, professional-looking garment. The sweater is worked bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the shoulders and neckline. This approach allows for straightforward shaping and the ability to try on the garment as you work. The design utilizes seamed construction, where individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming methods. Sections are also worked in the round for seamless elements such as the cuffs and neckband, creating a refined finish. The garment features striped colorwork throughout, with carefully planned stripe sequences for different sections of the sweater.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Stingray pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision. The lower edge begins with ribbed knit, worked as K2, P1 ribbing over four rows using 3¼mm (US 3) needles. This elastic rib creates a snug, fitted cuff that prevents rolling and provides shape retention. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (abbreviated st st), the most fundamental knit stitch pattern, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This creates a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns. Armhole and neckline shaping is accomplished through decreases, including knit two together (K2tog) and slip-slip-knit (sl 1, K1, psso) decreases on knit rows, and purl two together (P2tog) decreases on purl rows. These decreases are worked symmetrically at each edge to create balanced, professional shaping.

Stripe Sequences

The Stingray features two distinct stripe sequences that repeat throughout different sections of the garment. The cuff stripe sequence spans 30 rows and cycles through four yarn colors: Yarn B (Rouge), Yarn C (Mocha), and Yarn D (Plaster), with each color used for two-row stripes. The neckband stripe sequence is more complex, spanning 41 rows and creating a sophisticated multi-color pattern. This sequence begins with Yarn D and Yarn C, introduces Yarn B, cycles back through Yarn C and Yarn D, and incorporates Yarn A (Linen), the primary color. The neckband pattern repeats the first 12 rows twice before concluding with a four-row transition, ensuring a cohesive color story from cuff to neckline.

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Stingray is designed to be worked with Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double-knitting weight yarn available in four colorways for this pattern. The primary yarn is Summerlite DK in Linen (460), required in quantities ranging from 9 to 13 x 50-gram balls depending on size. Accent colors include Rouge (462), Mocha (451), and Plaster (452), each required in 1 x 50-gram ball across all sizes. The pattern specifies two needle sizes: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuffs and neckband, and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. The tension (gauge) is set at 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished bust measurements of 94.5, 105.5, 116.5, 127.5, or 138 centimeters depending on the chosen size.

Construction Overview

The sweater begins with the back piece, cast on using the smallest needles and worked