Oulton in Mode at Rowan Merino Soft - Downloadable PDF

Oulton Sweater by Quail Studio in Mode at Rowan Merino Soft

What is Being Made

The Oulton is a knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio and published by Mode at Rowan. This is a classic pullover-style jumper available in eight size options, ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) chest to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches) chest. The garment features a structured fit with actual chest measurements ranging from 103.5 cm to 172 cm depending on size selection, providing options for close-fitting and relaxed silhouettes across the size range.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Oulton employs fundamental sweater construction techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The pattern uses a two-needle method with separate shaping for the front and back pieces. Notably, the design incorporates neck shaping with decreases worked at the neckline edge to create a fitted crew or standard neck opening. The pattern instructions reference working each side of the neck separately after dividing stitches, a standard technique for creating symmetrical neckline shaping on pullover garments.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch – The primary fabric stitch throughout the garment, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. Moss stitch is worked over two rows: Row 1 (RS) P1, *K1, P1, rep from * to end; Row 2 K1, *P1, K1, rep from * to end. This textured stitch creates a dense, reversible fabric with excellent drape and structure.
• Ribbing – Used for edge finishing, the same moss stitch pattern forms the ribbed edging that provides elasticity and neat finishing at cuffs and hem areas.
• Decreases – Neck shaping is achieved through single stitch decreases worked at the neckline edge to create a gradual, fitted neck opening.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Mode at Rowan Merino Soft, a 50-gram ball weight. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 15 balls for the smallest size (81–86 cm chest) to 28 balls for the largest size (152–157 cm chest). The photographed sample is worked in Charcoal 015, a neutral colorway suitable for versatile styling.

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different gauges. Size 5.5mm (UK no. 5, US size 9) needles are used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, while size 6mm (UK no. 4, US size 10) needles are used for the main moss stitch fabric. The larger needle size creates the correct fabric gauge and drape.

Tension: 18 stitches and 26 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over moss stitch using 6mm (US 10) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper garment fit and finished measurements.

Additional Supplies

• Stitch holders – for holding stitches during neck shaping and garment assembly
• Stitch markers – for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points

The Oulton is classified as an advanced beginner project, making it accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction, shaping techniques, and finishing methods. The moss stitch texture adds visual interest while remaining straightforward to execute, and the sweater's classic design provides a timeless wardrobe staple.