Rowan Will Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Will Sweater by Kim Hargreaves

What is Being Made

Will is a children's knitted sweater designed by Kim Hargreaves for Rowan. This garment is sized to fit children ages 4-5 through 11-12 years, with chest measurements ranging from 61cm to 81cm (24 to 32 inches). The sweater features a front opening with a zip closure, making it practical for everyday wear and easy to put on and take off.

Construction Techniques

Will is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished sweater. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and control over the fit, particularly important in children's garment construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout Will is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. The pattern incorporates ribbed detailing, worked as a combination of knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence. Specifically, the ribbing pattern features alternating groups of five knit stitches with three purl stitches, creating vertical texture lines that provide elasticity and structure at edges and cuffs. Decreases are worked using knit two together (K2tog) to shape the raglan armholes and neckline, while edge stitches are maintained as single knit stitches to create clean, finished edges around the front opening.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Will is designed to be knitted using Rowan Wool Cotton, a blend yarn that combines the warmth of wool with the breathability of cotton. The pattern calls for two coordinating colorways: Dpst Olive (shade 907) in quantities ranging from 5 to 9 balls of 50gm depending on size, and Mango (shade 950) in quantities of 1 to 2 balls of 50gm for contrast details. A zip is required to fit the front opening.

Three sizes of needles are used to create the proper fabric density and structure:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles for cast-on and ribbed sections
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles for transitional shaping
• 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body in stocking stitch

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the sweater fits properly across the chest and maintains the intended proportions throughout all size options.