Rowan Valehouse Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Valehouse Knitted Sweater by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Valehouse is a classic knitted sweater designed by Sarah Hatton. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through to XXL (to fit bust 122-127 cm / 48-50 in), making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The sweater features a structured silhouette with shaped armholes and a fitted neckline, designed to be a versatile wardrobe staple.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Valehouse sweater is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning the pieces are knitted individually from the lower edges upward and then joined together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which allows for precise shaping and control over the fit. This traditional construction method provides excellent stitch definition and makes it easier to achieve the precise decreases required for the armhole and neckline shaping.

The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for the front neck, which features a gradual decrease worked over multiple rows to create a flattering curved neckline. The armhole shaping is worked simultaneously with the neck shaping on the front pieces, requiring careful attention to maintain the correct stitch counts and decrease placement.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the body of the sweater is stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern on the right side. This fundamental knitting stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side.

The cuffs and waistband feature a ribbed pattern, specifically a 3x3 rib construction. This rib pattern alternates three knit stitches with three purl stitches, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and help the garment sit snugly at the edges. The ribbed sections are worked on smaller needles to create a tighter gauge, which enhances the elastic properties of the rib.

The sleeve cuffs also utilize the same 3x3 rib pattern, worked for approximately 4 cm before transitioning to the main sleeve pattern. This ribbing ensures a secure fit around the wrists and helps prevent the sleeves from stretching out during wear.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Valehouse is designed to be knitted in Alpaca Merino DK, a double knitting weight yarn that combines the softness of alpaca with the resilience of merino wool. The yarn requirement varies by size, ranging from 12 balls (300 grams) for size Small to 17 balls (425 grams) for size XXL. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Hoby 105.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to accommodate the different gauges needed for the ribbed and stockinette sections. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for casting on and working the ribbed cuffs and waistband, creating a tighter fabric. 4½mm (US 7) needles are used for the main body and sleeve sections worked in stockinette stitch. Additionally, a 4mm (US 6) circular needle no longer than 40 cm is required for working the neckband, or alternatively a set of four double-pointed needles can be used.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern. The stockinette stitch sections should measure 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm when worked on 4½mm (US 7) needles. The sleeve pattern sections are worked to a slightly different gauge of 22 stitches and 40 rows to 10 cm, also using the 4½mm needles. These specific gauge measurements ensure that the finished sweater will fit correctly and drape as intended by the designer.

Pattern Features

The back and front pieces are worked with careful shaping to create a well-fitted garment. The back is worked straight until the armhole shaping begins, while the front includes additional neck shaping that creates a curved neckline. The sleeves are set in with seams, and the pattern provides detailed instructions for decreasing at both the armhole and neck edges simultaneously on the front pieces.

The pattern includes specific row-by-row instructions for all shaping, with different stitch counts provided for each of the five sizes. This level of detail ensures consistent results regardless of which size is being knitted.