Forbes Sweater in Rowan Kid Classic - Downloadable PDF

Forbes Sweater in Rowan Kid Classic – Pattern Summary

The Forbes Sweater is a classic pullover pattern designed by Quail Studio and worked in Rowan Kid Classic yarn. Published as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent project for knitters who are building their confidence with garment construction. The sweater is knitted in a straightforward, timeless style that suits a wide range of chest sizes, from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), with actual finished chest measurements ranging from 102.5 cm to 177.5 cm.

What Is Being Made

The Forbes Sweater is a drop-shoulder pullover worked in separate flat pieces — a back, a front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The design is clean and unfussy, prioritising wearability and ease of construction. It is a true wardrobe staple that showcases the soft, luxurious quality of Rowan Kid Classic yarn to great effect. The sample shown in the pattern photography is worked in the colourway Feather 828.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Kid Classic, a beautifully soft aran weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. Kid Classic is a blend of lambswool, kid mohair, and nylon, known for its warmth, subtle halo, and excellent stitch definition. Crucially, this pattern is worked holding two strands of yarn together throughout, which creates a denser, cosier fabric and gives the finished sweater a satisfying weight and structure. The number of balls required ranges from 13 to 18 balls depending on the size being knitted.

• Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic, aran weight, 50 g balls
• Yarn usage: 13–18 balls (size dependent)
• Held double throughout for all pieces
• Sample colourway: Feather 828

Needles and Extras

Two needle sizes are used in the construction of the Forbes Sweater:

• 6 mm (UK no. 4 / US 10) needles — used for the ribbed welts and cuffs
• 7 mm (UK no. 2 / US 10.5/11) needles — used for the main body fabric
• Stitch holders — required for holding stitches at the neck during shaping

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 15 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 7 mm needles with two strands of yarn held together. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in a garment pattern to ensure the finished measurements match those stated on the pattern, so knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before casting on.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Forbes Sweater uses a small, accessible set of knitting stitches and techniques, which is why it is well suited to beginner knitters who are ready to tackle their first or early sweater projects:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — the primary stitch pattern used across the body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• Rib stitch — used for the welts and cuffs to create a neat, stretchy border; the exact rib configuration is detailed in the pattern
• Casting on and casting off — including shaped cast-offs at the shoulders to create a clean, structured shoulder line
• Neck shaping — both the front and back necks are shaped using decreases worked on alternating and every fourth or sixth rows, depending on the size, creating a smooth neckline curve
• Shoulder shaping — worked by casting off stitches in stages at the beginning of rows, producing a stepped shoulder seam
• Stitch holder usage — stitches for the back neck and front neck are placed on holders