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

Grocery Sweater in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted – Pattern Summary (ZB299-00002-DE)

The Grocery Sweater is a striking colorblock pullover sweater designed by Chloe Thurlow for Rowan. Released as part of the Rowan collection in 2021, this design is available as a downloadable PDF (reference ZB299-00002-DE) and is written in German. It is rated as an advanced knitting project, making it best suited to experienced knitters who are comfortable with shaping, colorwork transitions, and working set-in or shaped sleeves.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a knitted sweater or jumper worked in multiple colors. The construction includes a back, a left sleeve, and by implication additional pieces (front and right sleeve) typical of a classically constructed set-in-sleeve sweater. The finished garment features bold color blocking using three distinct shades of yarn, giving it a modern, graphic aesthetic that is both wearable and eye-catching.

Size Range

The Grocery Sweater is offered in five sizes, designed to fit bust measurements of approximately 81–86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, and 122–127 cm. The actual knitted bust measurement is larger, ranging from 110 to 158 cm, providing a relaxed, oversized fit in keeping with contemporary sweater styling.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, a smooth, machine-washable 100% pure wool yarn in the worsted weight category. Three colorways are used:

• Colour A – Carnation 196: used as the primary color, requiring 3 (3: 3: 4: 4) x 100 g balls
• Colour B – Tiger 201: a secondary accent color, requiring 1 (2: 2: 2: 2) x 100 g balls
• Colour C – Teal 197: a third contrasting color, with quantities as specified in the full pattern

Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted is a popular choice for garment knitting due to its stitch definition, softness against the skin, and the practicality of being fully machine washable. Its worsted weight makes it ideal for structured sweaters that knit up at a satisfying pace while still showing crisp stitch detail.

Needles

The pattern calls for two needle sizes:

• 4 mm needles – used for the ribbed sections, such as the cuffs and lower body edgings
• 4.5 mm needles – used for the main body and sleeves worked in stockinette (stocking stitch)

Using a smaller needle for the rib creates a neater, more elastic edge, while the larger needle gives the main fabric the correct drape and gauge for the stated finished measurements.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Rib Stitch

The sweater opens with a rib section worked on the smaller 4 mm needles. Ribbing is a classic knitting technique that alternates knit and purl stitches within the same row to create a stretchy, textured band. It is commonly used at cuffs, hems, and necklines to provide structure and a snug fit at the edges of a garment.

Stockinette Stitch (Glatt rechts / Stocking Stitch)

The main fabric of the Grocery Sweater is worked in stockinette stitch (referred to in the German instructions as glatt rechts), which consists of alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. This produces the smooth, classic fabric surface seen on most traditional sweaters and allows the bold color blocking to read clearly and cleanly.

Sleeve Shaping and Increases

The left sleeve instructions demonstrate the advanced nature of this pattern. Stitches are increased on both sides of the sleeve at carefully