Aspen Jumper in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK - RTP002-0010-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Aspen Jumper in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK – Pattern Summary

The Aspen Jumper is a classic knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio and worked in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn. This intermediate-level pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and produces a beautifully structured pullover jumper featuring a striking two-colour stripe sequence. The design is sized across a wide range of bust measurements, making it accessible to a broad range of knitters.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a pullover jumper (sweater) worked in pieces that are seamed together. The garment includes a back body panel, a front body panel with a shaped front neckline, and two set-in sleeves. A neckband is also worked to finish the collar area neatly. The jumper is designed with a relaxed, generous fit — the knitted bust measurement ranges from 119 cm to 199 cm, accommodating actual bust sizes from approximately 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm across nine sizes.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a luxuriously soft double knitting weight yarn with an alpaca-blend composition that gives the finished jumper a beautiful drape and warmth. Two colourways are used:

• Colour A – Simply Black (shade 216), used as the primary stripe colour and for the ribbed edgings
• Colour B – Simply White (shade 201), used as the contrasting stripe colour

The number of 50 g balls required varies by size, with quantities specified separately for each colour in the pattern PDF.

Needles

• 4 mm straight knitting needles – used throughout for all main pieces
• 4 mm circular needle, at least 80 cm long (optional) – recommended when stitch counts become large, allowing the knitter to work back and forth in rows more comfortably

Tension / Gauge

The required tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 × 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch (stockinette) using 4 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the jumper to match the stated finished measurements.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the main fabric of the jumper, worked flat in rows with knit right-side rows and purl wrong-side rows
• Rib stitch – used for the welts and cuffs to provide elasticity and a neat finish at the lower edges and sleeve openings
• Two-colour stripe sequence – a repeating 12-row stripe pattern alternating between Colour A (rows 1–4) and Colour B (rows 5–12), worked throughout the body and sleeves for a bold graphic effect
• Front neckline shaping – stitches are divided at the front neck, with decreases worked over several rows to create a smooth, rounded neckline; each side is finished separately
• Shoulder shaping (casting off in stages) – the shoulder slope is achieved by casting off groups of stitches at the beginning of successive rows, creating a stepped diagonal that allows for neat seaming
• Holding stitches on a spare needle / stitch holder – centre front neckband stitches are placed on a holder and picked up later to work the neckband
• Sleeve shaping – the sleeves are worked flat with increases along the sides to create the tapered shape, then cast on at the cuff with ribbing before transitioning into stocking stitch and the stripe sequence
• Yarn management across two colours – Colour A is cut when switching to extended sections of Colour B, requiring careful weaving in of yarn ends for a clean finish

Construction Method

The Aspen Jumper is constructed using a traditional flat knitting and seaming method. Each piece — back, front, and