Titchwell in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton - Downloadable PDF

Titchwell Sweater Knitting Pattern – Top-Down Construction in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton

The Titchwell is a beautifully engineered seamless sweater pattern designed by Quail Studio and published under the Mode at Rowan brand. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern guides knitters through constructing a classic, wearable jumper using a clever top-down, in-the-round construction method. The pattern is photographed in two colourways — Foliage Green 018 and Feather Grey 013 — showcasing the versatility of the design across different shades of Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton.

About the Garment

The Titchwell is a fitted-to-relaxed pullover sweater with a generous size range, making it an accessible project for a wide variety of knitters. The pattern covers nine sizes, designed to fit chest measurements from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), with actual garment chest measurements ranging from 89.5 cm (35¼ in) to 171.5 cm (67½ in). This broad size inclusivity makes the Titchwell a highly practical pattern for knitters shopping for designs that fit real bodies across the full size spectrum.

The sweater is constructed from the neck downward, a method beloved by many knitters for its ability to allow easy fit adjustments as the work progresses. Working top-down also eliminates the need for sewing together large seamed sections, resulting in a more comfortable and polished finished garment.

Construction Techniques

The top-down, in-the-round construction is the defining technique of this pattern. This approach means the body of the sweater is worked as a continuous tube after the initial shoulder and yoke sections are established, avoiding the need for side seams. Key construction techniques used in this pattern include:

• Top-down seamless construction — the garment begins at the neckline and grows downward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as they go
• In-the-round knitting — the body and sleeves are worked in the round, requiring circular and double-pointed needles
• Back shoulder section shaping — the pattern begins with flat knitting on the back shoulder section before joining to work in the round, a technique that helps achieve a well-fitted shoulder line
• Stitch holder usage — stitches are placed on holders at key points, a hallmark of seamless top-down construction where sleeve and body stitches are separated and rejoined
• Stitch marker placement — markers are used throughout to track shaping sections and round beginnings, an essential organisational tool for in-the-round projects

Stitches Used

The Titchwell is primarily worked in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), the classic smooth knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows when worked flat, or by knitting every round when worked in the round. The body is described as beginning with a purl row and continuing in stocking stitch, establishing a clean, even fabric throughout. The simplicity of the main stitch pattern means the focus remains on the construction method and the beautiful drape of the yarn, making this an ideal project for an intermediate knitter looking to develop seamless garment skills without the added complexity of intricate stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton, a DK weight yarn sold in 25 g balls. This yarn is a luxurious blend combining the soft, lightweight warmth of alpaca with the breathability and stitch definition of cotton — a combination that gives the finished sweater excellent drape and a subtly lustrous appearance. The quantity required ranges from 8 balls for the smallest size up to 17 balls for the largest size.

Needles Required

• 1 pair of 3.75 mm (UK No. 9 / US 5) straight needles — used for the initial flat sections
• 3.75 mm (UK No. 9 / US 5) circular needle — length varies by size, from no more than 90 cm up to 170 cm, used