Rowan Tatum Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Tatum Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Tatum is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL to fit chest measurements from 97 cm to 127 cm (38 to 50 inches). This is a classic pullover-style jumper constructed using traditional knitting techniques.

Construction Method

The Tatum sweater is worked flat on straight needles and uses seamed construction, meaning the individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together. The garment is worked bottom-up, beginning with the ribbed cuffs and lower edges before progressing upward to shape the armholes and neckline.

Stitch Techniques and Cable Work

This design features prominent cable knit detailing as a central design element. The pattern includes specialized cable abbreviations for creating the textured cable panels:

• C6B (Cable 6 Back): Slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle
• Cr4L (Cross 4 Left): Slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, purl 1 stitch, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle
• Cr4R (Cross 4 Right): Slip 1 stitch onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 3 stitches, then purl the 1 stitch from the cable needle

The cable panel measures 18 cm in width and contains 44 stitches. The sweater also incorporates ribbed sections at the cuffs and hem for a fitted, classic finish.

Materials Required

The Tatum is designed to be knitted in Rowan Handknit Cotton, a natural fiber yarn. The pattern calls for 13 to 21 balls of 50-gram weight, depending on the size being knitted. The photographed sample was made in the colorway Ice Water (shade 239).

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to create the proper fabric tension and structure:

• 1 pair of 3¼mm needles (UK size 10 / US size 3) for the ribbed sections
• 1 pair of 4mm needles (UK size 8 / US size 6) for the main body and cable pattern
• Cable needle for working the cable stitches

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern using the 4mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit properly across all seven size options.

Pattern Structure

The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for armholes, shoulders, and the back neckline. The front and back pieces are worked with increases and decreases to create proper fit, and the pattern provides specific stitch counts for each size at key shaping points. The back neck measures 27 to 33 stitches depending on size, and the armhole depth ranges from 19 to 28 centimeters across the size range.