Belle Sweater in Rowan Brushed Fleece - Downloadable PDF

Belle Sweater by Quail Studio in Rowan Brushed Fleece – Pattern Summary

The Belle Sweater is a beautifully crafted knitted pullover designed by Quail Studio for Rowan Yarns, published in 2020. It is worked in the luxuriously soft Rowan Brushed Fleece, a chunky-weight yarn that gives the finished garment a warm, cosy, and subtly textured appearance. This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, making it an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to develop their skills further.

What Is Being Made

The Belle Sweater is a classic pullover-style jumper designed to be a wardrobe staple. It features a fitted body with set-in or shaped sleeves and is constructed to suit a wide range of bust sizes, from approximately 71–127 cm (28–50 inches), with an actual garment bust measurement ranging from 94.5 cm to 143 cm (37¼ to 56¼ inches). The generous range of sizes makes this pattern highly inclusive and versatile for many body types.

Construction and Techniques

The Belle Sweater is knitted flat in separate pieces — body and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method is well-suited to intermediate knitters who want to practise finishing skills such as mattress stitch seaming. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the primary fabric of the sweater, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic finish
• Sleeve shaping with increases – stitches are increased at regular intervals along the sleeve to create a tapered shape; the pattern uses the M1 (Make 1) increase method, worked two stitches in from each edge for a neat, symmetrical result
• Graduated increase intervals – the frequency of increases changes depending on the size being knitted, with increases worked on every 4th, 6th, or 8th row as appropriate, demonstrating the kind of size-specific shaping typical of intermediate patterns
• Cast on and foundation rows – the sleeves begin with a straightforward cast on followed by several plain rows before shaping commences

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch used throughout the stocking stitch fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – worked on wrong-side rows to complete the stocking stitch structure
• M1 (Make 1 increase) – a lifted increase used for sleeve shaping, worked symmetrically near each edge

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Rowan Brushed Fleece, a chunky-weight yarn produced by Rowan Yarns, a British yarn company established in 1978 and based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Brushed Fleece is known for its soft, airy halo and its blend of natural fibres, which contribute to the sweater's warmth and drape. The pattern references at least one yarn colour designated as yarn A, suggesting the design may incorporate more than one shade.

The sleeves are worked using 5½mm (US size 9) knitting needles, which is a standard needle size for chunky-weight yarns and produces a fabric with good stitch definition while maintaining the softness characteristic of Rowan Brushed Fleece.

Who Is This Pattern For

The Belle Sweater by Quail Studio is well-suited to intermediate knitters who are familiar with reading multi-size patterns, working stocking stitch over larger pieces, and executing simple but precise shaping. The use of a chunky yarn means the project works up relatively quickly, making it a satisfying and achievable make for those looking to knit a stylish, wearable sweater with a premium yarn. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters worldwide.