Rhodes in MODE at Rowan Alpaca Wool - Downloadable PDF

Rhodes Sweater by Quail Studio for MODE at Rowan

What is Being Made

The Rhodes is a knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio for MODE at Rowan. This garment is crafted as a pullover-style jumper available in nine sizes, ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) chest to 60-62 inches (152-157 cm) chest. The actual finished chest measurements span from 35½ inches (90 cm) for the smallest size up to 67 inches (170 cm) for the largest size, offering a comprehensive range for different body types and fit preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Rhodes sweater employs contemporary knitting construction methods suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The garment is constructed using circular needles for the yoke and body sections, with increases worked into the yoke to create a fitted shoulder and upper body. The neckband and sleeves are worked on double-pointed needles (dpns), which is a traditional technique for creating seamless, tubular sections in the round. This construction approach minimizes seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish throughout the garment.

The pattern utilizes yoke increases, a technique where stitches are strategically increased across the yoke section to shape the shoulders and upper chest. Stitch markers are essential tools for tracking these increases and maintaining pattern alignment. The sweater is worked from the top down, a popular modern approach that allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you progress.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Rhodes is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (st st), the foundational knit stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern texture. The pattern includes specialized increase techniques such as M1L (make 1 left), which creates an invisible increase by picking up the strand running between stitches and knitting through the back loop. This technique is worked strategically throughout the yoke shaping to create seamless, nearly invisible increases that maintain the visual integrity of the stockinette fabric.

The neckband is worked on 3.75mm (US 5) double-pointed needles in the round, creating a finished edge that sits smoothly against the neck. Stitch markers are used throughout to denote increase points and pattern sections, ensuring accurate shaping and consistent stitch placement across the multiple size variations.

Yarn and Materials

The Rhodes sweater is knitted using Alpaca Wool yarn in a DK (double knitting) weight, a versatile yarn weight that balances drape with structure. The pattern calls for three coordinating colors from the MODE at Rowan palette:

• Fawn 015 – the primary color, required in quantities ranging from 6 to 12 balls (50g each) depending on size
• Walnut 016 – a secondary color accent, requiring 1-2 balls across all sizes
• French 013 – a tertiary color detail, requiring 1-2 balls across all sizes

The yarn composition of Alpaca Wool provides a soft, luxurious hand with excellent drape and warmth, making it ideal for a wearable sweater. The DK weight allows the stockinette stitch to display beautifully while remaining lightweight enough for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Needles and Gauge

The Rhodes pattern specifies 3.75mm (US 5) needles throughout. For circular work on the yoke and body, the pattern recommends circular needles in three lengths: 60 cm, 80 cm, and 100-120 cm. These varying lengths accommodate the different stitch counts as the yoke increases progress and the body expands, ensuring comfortable knitting without excessive needle length. For the neckband and sleeves, a set of 3.75mm double-pointed needles is used to work seamlessly in the round.

The pattern specifies a tension (gauge) of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 3.75mm needles. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a top-down construction where the yoke shaping directly impacts the finished garment dimensions.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Rhodes pattern requires four stitch markers to track increase points and pattern sections during yoke construction, and stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during garment assembly and finishing. These small but essential notions ensure organized, accurate knitting throughout the project.