Grocery Sweater in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted - ZB299-00002-UK - Downloadable PDF

Rowan Grocery Sweater by Chloe Thurlow – Knitting Pattern Summary (ZB299-00002-UK)

The Grocery Sweater is an advanced-level knitting pattern designed by Chloe Thurlow and published by Rowan in 2021. It is a substantial, charted pullover sweater worked in two colours, featuring a richly detailed colourwork design spread across both the back and front panels. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is part of Rowan's ongoing tradition of craft-led, design-forward knitwear.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a colourwork pullover sweater with set-in or shaped sleeves, a ribbed hem and cuff finish, and a fitted silhouette. It is designed to fit a wide range of bust sizes:

• 81–86 cm (32–34 in)
• 91–97 cm (36–38 in)
• 102–107 cm (40–42 in)
• 112–117 cm (44–46 in)
• 122–127 cm (48–50 in)

The actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranges from 110 cm (43¼ in) up to 158 cm (62¼ in), indicating a comfortable, relaxed ease across all sizes. The sweater is constructed in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together.

Design Details and Colourwork Charts

A defining feature of the Grocery Sweater is its use of two distinct colourwork charts. Chart A is used for the back of the sweater, while Chart B is used for the front, meaning each side of the garment carries its own unique motif or arrangement. This adds considerable visual interest and makes the sweater a genuinely engaging project for experienced knitters. The charts are worked over a significant number of rows — up to 188 rows depending on the size being knitted — reflecting the ambitious, detailed nature of the colourwork design.

The left sleeve is also described in detail within the pattern, beginning with a ribbed cuff and then increasing regularly to shape the sleeve from cuff to underarm. Sleeve shaping involves increases at each end worked on a schedule that varies by size, ensuring a well-fitted taper throughout.

Techniques Used

This is classified as an advanced knitting pattern, and the techniques involved reflect that level of skill. Knitters working on the Grocery Sweater will use:

• Stranded colourwork (Fair Isle-style knitting) – working with two yarn colours across rows following charted motifs
• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the main fabric of the body and sleeves, worked by alternating knit and purl rows
• Ribbing – used for the welts and cuffs to create a neat, elasticated finish; the pattern specifies 8 rows of rib for the sleeve cuffs
• Shaping via increases – sleeve sides are shaped by increasing one stitch at each end on a regular row schedule, varying by size
• Casting off – the pattern specifies casting off remaining stitches at the completion of the chart rows using a standard needle cast-off method
• Reading and following knitting charts – both Chart A and Chart B must be read accurately across many rows, requiring confidence with charted colourwork

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundation of the stocking stitch fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – worked on wrong-side rows in stocking stitch
• Rib stitch – alternating knit and purl stitches to form the cuffs and hem bands
• Increase stitches – worked at sleeve side seams to add width gradually

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted