Fern in MODE at Rowan Softest Alpaca & Alpaca Haze - Downloadable PDF

Fern Sweater by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Fern is a knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio and published by MODE at Rowan. This garment is available in nine sizes ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) chest to 60-62 inches (152-157 cm) chest, with actual garment chest measurements spanning from 39¼ inches (100 cm) to 70¾ inches (180 cm). The pattern provides instructions for both the back and front pieces, which are worked identically.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Fern sweater employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The garment is constructed using a two-strand yarn holding method, combining Softest Alpaca Linen with Alpaca Haze throughout the project. The pattern features a reverse stocking stitch as the primary fabric texture, which creates a distinctive purl-faced surface when viewed from the front of the garment. The neckband is worked separately using circular needles, allowing for a finished collar edge that is grafted or sewn to the main body.

Stitches Used

• Reverse Stocking Stitch: The main stitch pattern for the body, created by working purl stitches on the right side and knit stitches on the wrong side, producing a textured, bumpy appearance on the finished garment
• Ribbing: A combination of knit and purl stitches worked in alternating columns (K1, P1 pattern) used for structural detailing and edge finishing
• Garter Stitch Edges: Implied through the pattern setup with purl stitches at garment edges to create selvage and definition

Yarn and Materials

The Fern sweater is designed to be knitted using two complementary yarns from the MODE at Rowan collection, held together as a single strand throughout construction. Softest Alpaca Linen in shade 015 forms the primary yarn component, with yardage requirements ranging from 7 balls (50 grams each) for smaller sizes to 10 balls for the largest size. Alpaca Haze in Mink shade 015 provides the secondary yarn, requiring 4 to 7 balls (25 grams each) depending on size selection. This two-yarn combination creates a sophisticated blend of fiber characteristics, combining the softness and warmth of alpaca with the structure and breathability of linen.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires 6mm (US 10) needles for the main body pieces. A pair of 6mm (US 10) circular needles measuring 40 cm is needed for working the neckband in the round. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during garment assembly.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 15 stitches and 23 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over reverse stocking stitch using 6mm (US 10) needles while holding one strand each of Softest Alpaca Linen and Alpaca Haze together. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper garment fit.