Herriot in Rowan Moordale - ZB297-00007-UK - Downloadable PDF

Herriot Sweater by Martin Storey – Rowan Knitting Pattern ZB297-00007-UK

The Herriot is a sophisticated, classically styled knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. Published as a downloadable PDF (reference ZB297-00007-UK), this pattern produces a beautifully textured pullover with a structured silhouette, shaped shoulders, and a neat neckband. It is rated advanced in skill level, making it an ideal project for experienced knitters looking to develop or showcase their cable and pattern work skills.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a knitted sweater or jumper for adults, offered in six chest sizes ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 in), with actual garment chest measurements spanning from 94.5 cm (37¼ in) to 142.5 cm (56 in). The garment features a shaped back neck, shaped front neck, and fully constructed shoulder shaping, resulting in a well-fitted, polished finish. The sweater is photographed in the colourway Nutmeg 011, with an alternative colourway of French Navy 016 also presented.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Moordale, a DK weight yarn, used in quantities of 6 to 9 x 100g skeins depending on the size being knitted. Moordale is a characterful yarn well suited to textured stitch patterns, lending the finished sweater both warmth and definition. Two colourways are referenced in the pattern: Nutmeg 011 (the main photographed version) and French Navy 016 (an alternative colourway option).

Needles and Equipment

Several needle sizes are required to complete the Herriot, reflecting the multiple stitch sections and finishing details involved:

• 3¼mm (no 10 / US 3) straight needles – used for ribbing or border sections
• 3¾mm (no 9 / US 5) straight needles – used for transitional sections
• 4mm (no 8 / US 6) straight needles – the primary needle size for the main body pattern
• 3¼mm (no 10 / US 3) circular needle, no more than 40 cm long – used for working the neckband in the round
• A cable needle – essential for working the cable elements of the stitch pattern

Tension

The stated tension is 25 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in this pattern given the structured shaping and the multiple size options, so knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully before beginning.

Techniques Used

The Herriot is classified as an advanced knitting project, and the construction reflects this. Key techniques employed throughout the pattern include:

• Cable knitting – worked with a cable needle, creating the signature textured panels that define the sweater's aesthetic
• Shoulder shaping – achieved through a series of cast-off rows at the beginning of right-side and wrong-side rows, producing a clean, angled shoulder line
• Back neck shaping – worked by dividing stitches and working each side separately, with decreases at the neck edge and simultaneous shoulder cast-offs
• Front neck shaping – similarly divided, with decreases worked over several rows and alternate rows to create a smooth, rounded neckline
• Working stitches onto holders – centre back neck stitches and front neck stitches are placed on holders and later rejoined for the neckband
• Circular needle finishing – the neckband is picked up and worked in the round on a short circular needle for a seamless, professional finish
• Keeping pattern correct – a key advanced skill required throughout shaping sections, where the knitter must maintain the integrity of the stitch pattern while simultaneously