Gentoo Sweater in Rowan Pebble Island (DE) - Downloadable PDF

Gentoo Sweater in Rowan Pebble Island – Knitting Pattern Summary (German Edition)

The Gentoo Sweater is a classic knitted pullover designed by Erika Knight and published by Rowan. This downloadable PDF pattern is written in German and offers knitters an elegant, wearable sweater worked in the popular worsted weight yarn Rowan Pebble Island. The sample garment shown in the pattern photography is knitted in the colourway Marble 020, showcasing the yarn's naturally textured, tweedy character.

About the Garment

The Gentoo Sweater is a fitted to relaxed-fit pullover designed for everyday wear. It is sized to suit a wide range of body measurements, making it an accessible and versatile project for a broad audience of knitters. The pattern includes nine sizes, accommodating bust measurements from 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm, with corresponding knitted bust measurements ranging from 101 cm to 182.5 cm. This generous size range makes the Gentoo Sweater suitable for a wide variety of body types.

Difficulty Level

The Gentoo Sweater is rated as an intermediate level knitting project. It is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and are ready to move beyond basic beginner patterns. The construction involves short-row shaping and neckline finishing, which require a degree of familiarity with knitting terminology and technique.

Techniques Used

• Short-row shaping – The pattern makes use of short rows, referred to in the German instructions as working to a set number of stitches before turning (Mumw, Arb wenden). This technique is used to shape the back neckline and shoulders, creating a smooth, professional finish without the need for traditional cast-off shaping.
• Wrap and turn (Mumw) – A standard short-row method used throughout the shoulder and neckline shaping sections to avoid holes and create neat, gradual curves in the fabric.
• Neckline shaping – The back neckline (Rückw Halsausschnitt) is worked by dividing stitches and finishing each side separately, ensuring a clean and symmetrical result.
• Decreasing – Both right-leaning and left-leaning decreases are used during neckline shaping. The pattern specifies 2 M li zus-str (knit 2 together through the back loop or slip, slip, knit) and 2 M re zus-str (knit 2 together), creating neat, mirrored shaping on either side of the neck.
• Stitch pattern (Mst) – The body of the sweater is worked in a defined stitch pattern (Musterstich), which gives the fabric its distinctive texture and visual interest.
• Working stitches onto a holder – Stitches are placed on a spare needle (Hilfsndl) while each side of the neckline is completed separately, a standard technique for achieving a neat, even neckline.

Stitches Used

• Main stitch pattern (Mst) – The primary texture stitch used throughout the body and sleeves of the sweater, contributing to the garment's overall aesthetic.
• Knit 2 together (re zus-str) – A right-leaning decrease used in neckline shaping.
• Slip, slip, knit or left-leaning decrease (li zus-str) – A left-leaning decrease used to mirror the shaping on the opposite side of the neckline.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Rowan Pebble Island, a worsted weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The pattern requires between 11 and 23 balls depending on the size being knitted, reflecting the generous range of sizes available.
• Colourway shown: Marble 020 – a soft, neutral tone that highlights the natural texture of the Pebble Island yarn.