Peaberry Sweater in Rowan Kid Classic - Downloadable PDF

Peaberry Sweater in Rowan Kid Classic by Amy Herzog – Free Knitting Pattern Summary

The Peaberry Sweater is a classically styled women's pullover designed by Amy Herzog and published by Rowan. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern is an excellent choice for intermediate knitters looking to build their garment-making skills while producing a polished, wearable sweater. The design is knitted in Rowan Kid Classic, a luxuriously soft aran-weight yarn, and is photographed in the colourway Pumice 888.

Garment Overview

The Peaberry is a fitted women's sweater constructed using traditional, time-tested methods. It is worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, making it a wonderful project for knitters who want to practise or refine their finishing techniques. The construction begins at the lower edges and works bottom-up, following a logical and approachable sequence that intermediate knitters will find satisfying.

Sizing

The pattern offers five sizes designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), covering a broad range labelled S, M, L, XL, and XXL. This inclusive sizing makes the Peaberry accessible to a wide range of knitters and body types.

Construction and Techniques

Bottom-Up, Worked Flat

As a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat pattern, the Peaberry is knitted in the traditional manner. Each main piece — the back, front, and sleeves — is worked separately on straight or circular needles, beginning at the cast-on edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders. This approach gives knitters full control over tension and fit at each stage of construction.

Shaping Details

The pattern incorporates several shaping techniques that are characteristic of a well-fitted sweater:

• Waist shaping is achieved through a series of decrease and increase rows worked over multiple repeats, creating a subtly contoured silhouette. Increases are worked using the M1 (Make 1) method at marked stitches on right-side rows, with plain rows worked between increase rows.
• Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked on right-side and alternate rows, and then on every fourth row, creating a smooth, tailored armhole curve.
• The combination of these shaping sequences results in a garment that follows the body's natural contours without being overly fitted.

Stitches Used

The Peaberry uses fundamental knitting stitches and techniques, making it approachable for intermediate knitters while still offering enough detail to keep the work engaging:

• Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the fabric.
• M1 (Make 1) increases are used for waist shaping.
• Standard cast-off and decrease methods are used throughout armhole and neckline shaping.
• Stitches are worked on right-side (RS) and wrong-side (WS) rows, with shaping typically initiated on RS rows.

Yarn and Materials

Rowan Kid Classic

Rowan Kid Classic is the specified yarn for this pattern. It is an aran-weight yarn sold in 50g balls, and the Peaberry requires between 5 and 8 balls depending on the size being knitted. Kid Classic is a beloved yarn in the Rowan range, known for its blend of lambswool, kid mohair, and nylon, which gives it a soft halo, excellent stitch definition, and a warm, cosy handle — ideal for a sweater of this style.

• Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic
• Colourway shown: Pumice 888
• Weight: Aran
• Quantity: 5 (S) – 8 (XXL) x 50g balls