Barlow in Rowan Moordale - ZB297-00003-UK - Downloadable PDF

Barlow by Martin Storey – Rowan Moordale DK Knitting Pattern (ZB297-00003-UK)

Barlow is a sophisticated, advanced-level knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan, worked in the brand's Moordale DK yarn. This downloadable PDF pattern showcases a striking combination of a large, elaborate central cable panel flanked by classic moss stitch, creating a garment with rich textural contrast and timeless appeal. The design is photographed in Oxford Blue 009, with an alternative colourway option of Pillar Box 020 also referenced in the pattern.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a fitted pullover sweater with shaped armholes, structured shoulders, and a back neck shaping. It is sized to fit a chest measurement ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 in), with actual garment chest measurements spanning from 91.5 cm (36 in) to 142.5 cm (56½ in). The model in the pattern photography wears the 36–38 in size, giving a clear visual reference for fit and drape.

Design Features and Construction

The defining feature of Barlow is its central cable panel, which in its entirety spans 135 stitches and measures an impressive 39.5 cm in width. This panel is worked from a complete chart included in the PDF, making it essential for knitters to be comfortable reading knitting charts at an advanced level. The cable panel is framed on both sides by moss stitch, which provides a beautifully understated, textured background that allows the cables to stand out prominently.

Construction follows traditional flat knitting methods, with the back piece shaped through carefully sequenced armhole decreases and shoulder cast-offs. The back neck is shaped separately on each side, with stitches held on a holder while each section is worked independently — a technique that ensures a neat, well-defined neckline. Shoulder shaping is achieved through a series of stepped cast-offs, giving the garment a professional, structured finish.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting – A large, complex central cable panel worked from a chart, requiring a cable needle throughout
• Moss stitch – Used as the background texture on both sides of the central cable panel, and likely throughout other sections of the garment
• Armhole shaping – Worked through cast-offs at the beginning of rows followed by paired decreases on right-side and alternate rows
• Shoulder shaping – Achieved through multiple rows of stepped cast-offs, varying by size
• Back neck shaping – Each side of the neck worked separately after placing remaining stitches on a holder, with neck-edge decreases worked simultaneously with shoulder cast-offs
• Chart reading – The cable panel is worked entirely from a charted diagram, requiring confident chart interpretation
• Working in the round – A short circular needle is listed among the required tools, suggesting its use for a neckband or collar finish

Stitches Used

• Moss stitch – A classic alternating knit and purl stitch pattern that shifts on every row to create a dense, non-curling fabric
• Cable stitches – Complex crossing stitches worked over multiple stitches using a cable needle, forming the elaborate central panel
• Standard cast-on and cast-off – Used throughout for shaping at armholes, shoulders, and neck
• Decreases – Used at armhole edges and neck edges to shape the garment

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Rowan Moordale yarn, a DK weight yarn sold in 100g balls. Depending on the size being knitted, between 7 and 11 balls are required. The yarn is photographed in Oxford Blue 009, with Pillar Box 020 offered as an alternative colourway.

Needles and Notions

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