Rowan Wellesley Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Wellesley Knitted Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Wellesley is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey, 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 features a sophisticated lace panel at the center front, combining textured ribbing with delicate lace detailing for an elegant, refined aesthetic.

Construction Method

The Wellesley is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, meaning the body pieces are knitted from the cast-on edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and pattern placement. The sweater features raglan armholes, which are shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then decreasing stitches progressively to create the characteristic sloped shoulder line typical of raglan construction.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This design incorporates several key knitting techniques:

• Lace work: A central lace panel measuring 28 cm wide is worked from a stitch chart, creating an openwork pattern that forms the visual focal point of the sweater
• Ribbed edging: Knit-purl ribbing (K2, P2 pattern) is worked at the side edges, providing structure and elasticity to frame the lace panel
• Stocking stitch: Smooth stockinette stitch is used for the main body areas surrounding the lace detail
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases are worked to shape the raglan armholes, including single decreases at each end of rows and decreases worked on alternating rows to achieve proper fit
• Neckband finishing: Stitches are held on a holder for later completion of the neckband

Yarn and Needle Requirements

The Wellesley is knitted using Rowan Island Blend Fine yarn in the colorway Wedgewood 103 (as photographed). Yarn quantities range from 7 x 50g balls for the smallest size to 10 x 50g balls for the largest size, totaling between 350g and 500g of yarn depending on size selected.

Two needle sizes are required: 2¾mm (US 2) needles for the ribbed cuff and initial lace panel rows, and 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the main body. A 2¾mm circular needle no longer than 40 cm is also needed for the neckband finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¼mm needles. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished bust measurements, which range from 92.5 cm (36½ inches) to 132.5 cm (52¼ inches) across the five available sizes.