Bark Sweater in Rowan Softyak DK - ZB296-00005-UK - Downloadable PDF

Bark Sweater in Rowan Softyak DK

What Is Being Made

The Bark Sweater is a V-neck knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey. This intermediate-level garment features a classic pullover construction with raglan armholes and a divided front neck opening. The sweater is available in six sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Knitting Techniques

The Bark Sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment uses raglan armhole shaping, which involves strategic decreases worked at each end of rows to create diagonal shaping lines from the armpit to the neckline. This technique requires careful attention to maintaining decreases on both sides of the garment simultaneously.

The construction method involves working separate pieces that are later joined together. The back and front panels are worked separately, with the front featuring a divided neck construction where stitches are divided and each shoulder is worked independently to create the V-neck opening. The neckband is worked separately and grafted or seamed to the finished neck edge.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches including:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used extensively for raglan shaping and neck shaping
• Stockinette stitch – the predominant stitch pattern created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side

These basic stitches combine to create a smooth, classic fabric suitable for a versatile everyday sweater.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Bark Sweater is designed to be knitted in Rowan Softyak DK, a double knitting weight yarn. The pattern calls for two colorways:

• Color A (Plain) – the primary color, with yardage varying by size from 8 to 13 balls of 50-gram weight
• Color B (Jaune) – an accent color, requiring 1 ball of 50-gram weight across all sizes

DK weight yarn is a medium-weight option that knits to a balanced gauge, making it ideal for creating garments with good drape and structure. Rowan Softyak DK is a soft, durable yarn suitable for close-fitting garments like this sweater.

Knitters will require appropriate needles for DK weight yarn, though specific needle sizes are detailed within the complete pattern instructions. The downloadable PDF format provides all necessary schematic measurements, row-by-row instructions, and finishing details for successful completion of this intermediate knitting project.