Rowan Trent Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Trent Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Trent is a classic knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with chest measurements from 68 cm to 94 cm (27 to 37 inches). The sweater features a structured silhouette with raglan sleeves and is constructed using traditional knitting techniques to create a refined, everyday piece.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Trent sweater is worked flat on straight needles and assembled using seaming, following a bottom-up construction approach. This method allows knitters to work the back and front pieces separately from the cast-on edge upward, then attach the sleeves and join all seams together. The raglan shaping is incorporated into the sleeve cap, creating diagonal decreases that slope from the underarm toward the neckline for a classic fitted appearance.

The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions with decreases worked at specific intervals. The back and front pieces are worked identically and feature decreasing at the side seams to create a tapered waist. Sleeves are shaped with increases worked at regular intervals to expand from the cuff to the cap, with decreases then applied to create the raglan armhole.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: The sweater begins with 1×1 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches) at the cuffs and lower edges, providing elasticity and a finished appearance
• Stockinette Stitch Variations: The main body is worked in a knit-purl pattern that creates texture and visual interest across the garment
• Decreases: Pattern decreases (P2tog and P2tog tbl) are used to shape the waist and raglan armholes, worked consistently at each end of rows
• Increases: Increases are incorporated into the sleeve shaping, worked at regular intervals to gradually expand the sleeve width
• Cast-off: The pattern is maintained through the final cast-off row for a cohesive finished edge

Materials and Needles

The Rowan Trent is designed to be knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, a soft and warm fiber available in multiple colorways (the photographed version shown is in the shade Peat 262). Yarn quantities range from 9 x 50-gram balls for smaller sizes (XS and S) to 14 x 50-gram balls for the largest size (2XL), allowing knitters to select the appropriate yardage for their chosen size.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes. 5mm (US 8) needles are used for the ribbed cuffs and lower edges, where the smaller needle size creates the necessary tension for elastic ribbing. 6mm (US 10) needles are used for the main body and sleeves, allowing the fabric to expand slightly for the stockinette and patterned sections. The recommended tension is 16 stitches and 19 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when measured over the main pattern using the 6mm needles, ensuring proper garment dimensions and drape.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The pattern provides comprehensive instructions for all seven sizes, with specific stitch counts and row counts given in brackets for each size variation. Sleeve length options accommodate different body proportions, ranging from 45 cm for the smallest sizes to 54 cm for the largest. The raglan armhole shaping is precisely charted with cast-off and decrease sequences to ensure proper fit across all sizes.