Rowan Tussock Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Tussock Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Rowan Tussock is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 in). This garment features a classic pullover construction with practical patch pockets integrated into the front, making it both stylish and functional for everyday wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Tussock sweater is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning the back and front pieces are knitted separately from the lower edge upward, then joined together with seams. The design incorporates stripe patterning throughout, created by working with multiple yarn colors in stockinette stitch. All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward color changes and pattern management.

The sweater features raglan armhole shaping, a classic tailoring technique where the armhole decreases are worked diagonally from the underarm toward the neckline. This shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked on both right-side and wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, fitted sleeve cap that connects seamlessly to the body.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern on the right side. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth finish ideal for displaying the striped colorwork.

Decreasing techniques employed include slip 1 knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1K, K1, psso) and knit 2 together (K2tog) on right-side rows, paired with purl 2 together (P2tog) and purl 2 together through back loop (P2tog tbl) on wrong-side rows. These decreases are positioned symmetrically two stitches in from the edges to create neat, balanced raglan shaping. The pattern also includes casting off stitches at the beginning of rows to establish the armhole depth before the gradual raglan decreases begin.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Tussock pattern calls for Rowan Moordale yarn, a worsted-weight fiber available in three coordinating colorways:

• Feather 001 (main color): 4–5 balls of 100 gm, depending on size
• Blue Moor 008 (contrast): 1 ball of 100 gm for all sizes
• Turmeric 003 (contrast): 1 ball of 100 gm for all sizes

Knitting needles required are:

• 1 pair of 3¼ mm (US 3) needles for ribbing at the cuffs and edges
• 1 pair of 4 mm (US 6) needles for the main body fabric

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stockinette stitch using the 4 mm needles, ensuring consistent sizing across all garment dimensions.

Pattern Features

The front of the sweater includes two patch pocket linings that are knitted separately and then integrated into the front piece through a pocket placement technique. This involves casting off stitches for the pocket opening and securing the pre-knitted lining behind, creating a neat, finished pocket construction. The pocket tops are held on stitch holders during the main knitting process and are finished separately, allowing for professional-quality detailing.

The pattern is presented at an intermediate skill level and is available as a downloadable PDF from Rowan, with full sizing information and detailed row-by-row instructions for each size option.