Owen

Owen Sweater by Jennifer Wood

What is Being Made

Owen is a downloadable knitting pattern for a classic pullover sweater designed by Jennifer Wood. This intermediate-level project is available in eleven sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 32.75 inches (82 cm) to 63.25 inches (158 cm), accommodating a wide range of body types. The pattern is modeled in the size 35.25 inches (88 cm) with slight positive ease at the bust, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

Owen employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The pattern utilizes both knit and purl stitches to create texture and structure. Cable work is incorporated into the design, requiring the use of a cable needle to manipulate stitches and create dimensional, twisted stitch patterns. The sweater is constructed using circular needles, which allows for seamless or nearly seamless construction depending on the designer's method. Decreasing techniques are used throughout the pattern, including knit two stitches together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases, which are essential for shaping the garment at the armholes, neckline, and other areas requiring fitted construction.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Owen pattern incorporates the following key stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base of the fabric
• Purl stitch (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create textured patterns
• Cable stitches: Created using a cable needle to cross stitches over one another, producing raised, twisted patterns characteristic of cable knit sweaters
• Knit two stitches together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches knitwise individually, then knitting them together through the back loop, providing balanced decreases on either side of the garment
• Slip stitches (sl): Used for various construction purposes, including edge finishing
• Through the back loop (tbl): A technique modifying how stitches are worked to create twisted variations

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Owen is designed to be knitted with Stolen Stitches Nua Worsted yarn in the colorway Harvest Moon. This yarn is a premium blend composed of 60% wool, 20% yak, and 20% linen, creating a durable, breathable fabric with excellent drape and natural elasticity. The yarn weight is classified as DK (double knitting), though the pattern specifies worsted weight yardage, indicating a slightly heavier yarn than traditional DK.

Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (32.75 inches/82 cm) requires 720 yards (660 meters) using 7 skeins, while the largest size (63.25 inches/158 cm) requires 1,730 yards (1,590 meters) using 16 skeins. Each skein contains 109 yards (100 meters) and weighs 50 grams.

The pattern calls for Size 4/3.5mm circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 cm) in length or longer. Circular needles of this size are essential for working the sweater in the round or managing the width of the garment during flat construction, depending on the pattern's construction method.

Pattern Features

The Owen pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations and definitions to guide knitters through the construction process. The pattern provides detailed sizing information and is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable working with cables, managing decreases, and reading pattern instructions. The combination of wool, yak, and linen fibers in the recommended yarn creates a garment with natural temperature regulation, making Owen suitable for transitional seasons.