Etta Jumper in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK - ZB328-00004-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Etta Jumper in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK – Pattern Summary

The Etta Jumper is a beautifully crafted knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF (reference ZB328-00004-DEP), this intermediate-level pattern produces a relaxed, elegant jumper with thoughtful construction details including integrated patch pockets, a front opening with a neat ribbed border, and shaped shoulders. The design is photographed in Autumn Gold 220, showcasing the warm tonal qualities of the recommended yarn.

Sizing and Fit

The Etta Jumper is offered across a generous range of sizes to suit a wide variety of body types. The pattern covers the following bust measurements:

• 71–76 cm
• 81–86 cm
• 91–97 cm
• 102–107 cm
• 112–117 cm
• 122–127 cm
• 132–137 cm
• 142–147 cm
• 152–157 cm

The actual knitted bust measurements range from 126.5 cm at the smallest size up to 208 cm at the largest, indicating a generously eased, relaxed silhouette that drapes comfortably over the body. This wide size range makes the pattern highly inclusive and accessible to knitters working across many different fits and preferences.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

Yarn

The pattern calls for Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a luxuriously soft double knitting weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. The number of balls required varies by size, with the pattern specifying quantities ranging from 14 to 25 balls across the size range. Rowan Alpaca Soft DK is a premium blend that combines the natural softness and warmth of alpaca with the durability and stitch definition of other fibres, making it an excellent choice for a garment intended to be worn close to the body. The colourway used in the sample shown is Autumn Gold 220, a rich, warm golden tone that highlights the texture of the knitted fabric beautifully.

Needles

The pattern requires 4 mm knitting needles (UK size 8 / US size 6), which are the standard needle size recommended for DK weight yarns at this gauge. Knitters should also have auxiliary needles or stitch holders available, as the pocket construction requires stitches to be held while pocket linings are worked separately and then joined back into the main fabric.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size as necessary. Because the jumper is worked at a relatively fine gauge for a DK yarn, even small deviations in tension can result in significant differences in the finished measurements across such a wide range of sizes.

Construction Method

The Etta Jumper is constructed in separate pieces that are seamed together. The back is worked first, beginning with a ribbed hem, followed by the main body in stocking stitch, and finishing with shaped shoulders. The front features a front opening worked by dividing the stitches at a specific point and working both sides separately, with stitches picked up to create a neat ribbed border along each side of the opening. This front placket detail adds a refined, structured finish to the neckline area.

A notable construction feature of this design is the inclusion of integrated patch pockets. The pocket linings are worked separately in advance and then incorporated into the body of the jumper at a specific row by placing the main body stitches onto holders and knitting across the pocket lining stitches instead. This technique creates a clean, professional-looking pocket that sits flush against the front of the garment, with no visible seaming on the right side of the fabric