Apollo Sweater in Rowan Softyak DK - ZB296-00007-DE - Downloadable PDF

Apollo Sweater by Martin Storey in Rowan Softyak DK – Pattern Summary

The Apollo Sweater is a classic knitted pullover designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF (reference ZB296-00007-DE) and is written in German, making it an excellent choice for German-speaking knitters of intermediate skill level. The sweater is photographed in Submarine 251, a rich, characterful colourway that highlights the natural texture of the yarn.

What Is Being Made

The Apollo Sweater is a fitted to relaxed-fit pullover jumper featuring a raglan sleeve construction and a shaped neckline. It is designed to suit a range of body measurements, making it a versatile wardrobe staple. The garment is constructed in separate pieces — a front, a back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The front piece includes a carefully shaped front neckline (Vorderer Halsausschnitt) worked with short rows and stitch holders, giving the finished sweater a neat, professional finish.

Sizing

The pattern is offered in six sizes, designed to fit the following bust measurements:

• 81–86 cm
• 91–97 cm
• 102–107 cm
• 112–117 cm
• 122–127 cm
• 132–137 cm

The corresponding actual knitted bust measurements range from approximately 92.5 cm to 141.5 cm, providing a comfortable amount of ease across the size range.

Construction and Techniques

The Apollo Sweater is worked flat in separate pieces and then assembled. Key construction techniques include:

• Raglan shaping – The sweater uses classic raglan sleeve decreases, worked at regular intervals to shape both the body and the sleeves simultaneously as they converge toward the neckline. This is a traditional and elegant construction method that creates a smooth, diagonal seam line from underarm to neck.
• Neckline shaping – The front neckline is shaped using a combination of decreases and short-row turning, with stitches placed on a Hilfsnadel (stitch holder) while each side is completed separately. This creates a smooth, rounded front neck opening.
• Seaming – As a pieced garment, the Apollo Sweater requires sewing together the front, back, and sleeve sections once knitting is complete.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a combination of foundational and textural knitting stitches:

• Stocking stitch (Muster/Mst) – The main fabric of the sweater is worked in a standard stitch pattern, referred to in the pattern as Mst (Musterstich), which forms the smooth, even body of the garment.
• Knit stitch (rechts / re) – Standard knit stitches form the basis of the fabric throughout.
• Twisted knit decrease (re verschränkt zusammenstricken / re verschr zus-str) – A twisted decrease technique is used at key shaping points, particularly around the raglan and neckline, to create neat, defined decrease lines.
• Standard decreases and increases – Used throughout for raglan and neckline shaping, worked at specified intervals across multiple rows.

Materials

Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Rowan Softyak DK, a beautifully soft double knitting weight yarn. Softyak DK is a blend that incorporates yak fibre, which lends the yarn an exceptionally soft handle, subtle natural warmth, and a gentle lustre. It is a popular choice for next-to-skin garments such as sweaters. The sample garment is knitted in Submarine 251.

The yarn quantities required are as follows, depending on size: