Hale in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca - Downloadable PDF

Hale Sweater in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Hale pattern is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed by Quail Studio and published under the Mode at Rowan collection. It produces a classic pullover sweater or jumper worked in a chunky-weight yarn, combining a beautifully textured ribbed body with garter stitch details. The design is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple stitch pattern repeats and are ready to refine their technique.

What Is Being Made

Hale is a pullover jumper with a generous, relaxed fit. The pattern is sized to fit a wide range of chest measurements, from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), with actual garment chest measurements ranging from 100 cm (39¼ in) to 180 cm (70¾ in). This extensive size range makes the pattern highly inclusive and suitable for knitters of many body types. The sweater is photographed in Willow 018, a soft, muted tone that highlights the textural interplay of the stitch patterns beautifully.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca, a chunky-weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. The quantity required ranges from 8 balls for the smallest size up to 14 balls for the largest size. As the name suggests, Softest Alpaca is an alpaca-based yarn prized for its exceptional softness, warmth, and subtle natural lustre, making it an ideal choice for a cosy, wearable everyday sweater.

Needles

• 1 pair 4.5 mm (UK No. 7 / US 7) straight needles – used for the cast-on and ribbed edging sections
• 1 pair 5 mm (UK No. 6 / US 8) straight needles – used for the main body fabric
• 4.5 mm (UK No. 7 / US 7) circular needle, no more than 40 cm long – used for finishing details such as neckbands or picked-up edges

Notions

• Stitch holders – for holding live stitches during shaping
• Stitch markers – to mark pattern repeats and shaping points

Tension

Achieving correct tension is essential for a well-fitting garment. The pattern specifies two tension measurements, both using 5 mm (US 8) needles on blocked fabric:

• 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm measured over the rib pattern
• 20 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm measured over garter stitch

The difference in row count between the two stitch patterns is worth noting, as it reflects how garter stitch compresses vertically compared to rib. Blocking the swatch before measuring is strongly recommended, particularly when working with alpaca fibres, which can bloom and relax considerably after washing.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Rib Pattern

The main body fabric of Hale is worked in a rib pattern based on a K3, P2 repeat (knit 3, purl 2). Ribbing creates a fabric with vertical columns of knit and purl stitches that has natural elasticity and a pleasing, structured texture. In a chunky yarn like Softest Alpaca, this rib pattern takes on a bold, sculptural quality. The wrong-side rows mirror the right-side rows to maintain the rib columns consistently throughout the fabric. Edge stitches are worked in knit on both sides to create neat selvedges.

Garter Stitch

Sections of the pattern are worked in garter stitch – knitting every row on both