Hank Sweater in Rowan Softyak DK - ZB296-00006 Hank Sweater DE - Downloadable PDF

Hank Sweater in Rowan Softyak DK by Martin Storey – Pattern Summary (ZB296-00006)

The Hank Sweater is a classic knitted pullover designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is worked in Rowan Softyak DK yarn. The design features a structured body with a garter stitch section, shaped shoulders, and a neatly finished neckline, making it a versatile and wearable everyday sweater.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a knitted sweater or jumper with a front, back, and set-in or shaped sleeves. The garment is constructed in separate pieces — a back and a front — which are worked flat and then seamed together. The front features a divided front neck shaping, where stitches are placed on a holder and each side is completed separately to create a clean neckline. The back includes matching shoulder shaping with cast-off stitches worked over several rows.

Sizes Available

The Hank Sweater is offered in six sizes, designed to fit the following actual bust/chest measurements:

• 81–86 cm – knitted chest measurement approximately 95.5 cm
• 91–97 cm – knitted chest measurement approximately 102.5 cm
• 102–107 cm – knitted chest measurement approximately 113.5 cm
• 112–117 cm – knitted chest measurement approximately 122.5 cm
• 122–127 cm – knitted chest measurement approximately 132 cm
• 132–137 cm – knitted chest measurement approximately 142.5 cm

The generous range of sizes makes this pattern accessible to a wide variety of knitters and body types. The knitted chest measurement refers specifically to the garter stitch section of the garment, indicating that the design incorporates positive ease and a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Techniques Used

This is a flat knitting pattern, meaning the pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. Key construction techniques include:

• Shoulder shaping – achieved through casting off stitches at the beginning of rows over multiple rows, creating a neat angled shoulder seam
• Front neck shaping – stitches are divided at the centre front, with the central stitches placed on a stitch holder and each side worked separately to shape the neckline
• Neck decreases – single stitch decreases are worked at the neck edge over several rows to taper the neckline smoothly
• Working with a stitch holder – stitches are placed on an auxiliary needle or holder and returned to the needle later to complete the second side of the neck
• Joining a new yarn – a new length of yarn is introduced to work the second side of the neck independently
• Seaming – as a flat-knitted garment, the finished pieces are joined together after blocking

Stitches Used

The Hank Sweater makes use of the following stitch patterns:

• Garter stitch (kraus rechts gestrickt in the original German-language PDF) – knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows to create a ridged, textured fabric with good elasticity and body
• Knit stitch (right side) / Purl stitch (wrong side) – standard stocking stitch or reverse stocking stitch sections are implied through the directional row instructions, contributing to the garment's smooth fabric areas
• Decrease stitches – used at the neckline to reduce stitch counts and shape the front opening neatly

Garter stitch is a beginner-friendly yet visually appealing stitch that lies flat without curling, making it an ideal choice for structural sections of a sweater such as hems