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

Martin Storey Bark Sweater in Rowan Softyak DK (ZB296-00005-FR) – Knitting Pattern Summary

Overview of the Design

The Bark Sweater is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. This downloadable PDF pattern presents two distinct pullover variations worked in Rowan Softyak DK yarn: a V-neck pullover and a round-neck (crew-neck) pullover. Both versions share the same fundamental construction and shaping, making this a versatile pattern for knitters who enjoy classic, wearable knitwear with refined structural details.

What Is Being Made

• V-neck pullover – A sweater featuring a deep V-shaped neckline, finished with a neat neckband picked up around the V-neck opening.
• Round-neck pullover – A sweater with a classic crew neckline, also finished with a neckband worked in the round or flat.

Both pullovers are constructed using raglan sleeve shaping, a classic method in which the sleeves and body are joined and decreased simultaneously toward the neckline, creating a diagonal seam line from the underarm to the collar. This technique eliminates a traditional set-in armhole and gives the garment a relaxed, comfortable fit across the shoulders.

Sizes Available

The pattern is graded across six sizes, designed to fit actual bust measurements of approximately 81–86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127, and 132–137 cm. The corresponding finished garment bust measurements are 92, 102.5, 112, 122.5, 132, and 142.5 cm, providing generous ease across the size range to suit a variety of body types and fit preferences.

Construction and Techniques

The Bark Sweater is worked in pieces — back, front, and sleeves — and then seamed together. The defining structural feature is the raglan armhole shaping, which involves working paired decreases on every row and every alternate row to reduce the stitch count evenly from the underarm up to the shoulder. The PDF content references specific decrease sequences, such as decreasing 1 stitch each side over a set number of rows, then repeating decreases every 2 rows, demonstrating the careful, graduated shaping typical of a well-engineered raglan.

• Raglan shaping – Paired decreases worked symmetrically on both sides of the armhole to shape the sleeve cap and body simultaneously.
• V-neck shaping – The front is divided at the centre to create two separate halves, each worked individually with neck decreases to form the characteristic V-shape.
• Neckband finishing – Stitches are left on hold at the back neck and picked up along the front neck edges to work a neat neckband, a standard finishing technique in classic knitwear.
• Seaming – The raglan seams, side seams, and sleeve seams are joined after knitting, giving the finished garment its structured shape.

Stitches Used

While the PDF excerpt focuses primarily on shaping instructions, the construction references standard knitting stitches consistent with a DK-weight classic pullover:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – The primary fabric stitch, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, flat surface.
• Decrease stitches – Including k2tog (knit two together) and likely ssk or similar paired decreases to create neat, directional raglan lines.
• Rib stitch – Typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands in classic Rowan pullovers of this style, providing elasticity and a tidy edge finish.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Softyak DK, a DK-weight yarn celebrated for its exceptionally soft handle, which comes from the inclusion of