Stripes Galore In Rowan Kaffe Fassett Felted Tweed Knitting

Stripes Galore In Rowan Kaffe Fassett Felted Tweed Knitted Sweater

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted sweater designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), with nine size options available. The garment features an enlarged fine stripe sequence that repeats throughout the construction, creating a vibrant multi-colored striped pattern across the back, sleeves, and body of the sweater.

Techniques Used

This advanced beginner knitting project employs several fundamental sweater construction techniques. The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 2x2 rib stitch to create elasticity at the lower edge. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) with color changes integrated throughout. The pattern demonstrates color work with multiple yarn colors that are joined and broken off as required, following a predetermined stripe sequence. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows followed by decreases worked at each end of subsequent rows to create a fitted sleeve cap. The sweater is constructed in separate pieces that will require seaming.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Ribbing: Alternating knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches to create the cuff and lower edge ribbing
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the body, worked by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at armhole edges to shape the garment
• Cast-offs: Used to bind off stitches at armhole openings

Stripe Sequence and Color Work

The pattern features an enlarged stripe sequence that repeats over 84 rows, creating a complex and visually striking color pattern. The stripe sequence incorporates seven distinct yarn colors from the Rowan Kaffe Fassett Felted Tweed range, with each color used for specific row ranges within the 84-row repeat. This sequence is applied to the back and left sleeve, demonstrating how colorwork can be systematically organized across multiple pattern repeats.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The sweater is worked entirely in Rowan Kaffe Fassett Felted Tweed, a 50-gram yarn weight. Seven colors are used throughout the design:

• Yarn A – Regal (K0015): 2–4 balls depending on size
• Yarn B – Daffodil (K0012): 1–2 balls depending on size
• Yarn C – Fuchsia (K0011): 1–2 balls depending on size
• Yarn D – Cucumber (K0016): 1 ball for all sizes
• Yarn E – Apple (K0014): 1–2 balls depending on size
• Yarn F – Marigold (K0013): 1–2 balls depending on size
• Yarn G – Delight (K0010): 2–3 balls depending on size

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes. A 3¼mm (US 3) needle is used for the initial ribbed cuff and edging. A 4mm (US 6) needle is used for the main body worked in stockinette stitch and stripe sequence. The needle size change creates a subtle gauge difference that helps the ribbing sit neatly against the body while allowing the main garment to drape appropriately.

Pattern Structure and Garment Construction

The back piece begins with casting on between 98 and 190 stitches depending on the chosen size. After working the 2x2 ribbed cuff with a single decrease row, stitches are transferred to the larger needles and stockinette stitch begins with the stripe sequence. The back is worked straight until it reaches the specified length before armhole shaping commences. Armhole shaping involves casting off a set number of stitches at the beginning of two consecutive rows, followed by decreasing one stitch at each end on multiple rows and alternate