Holborn Sweater in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK - Downloadable PDF

Holborn Sweater by Martin Storey – Knitting Pattern Summary (Rowan Alpaca Soft DK)

The Holborn Sweater is a classic, elegantly structured pullover sweater designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan as pattern reference ZB177-00006. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a beautifully fitted sweater with a distinctive raglan armhole shaping — a timeless construction technique that creates a seamless diagonal line from the neckline to the underarm, lending the finished garment a streamlined, flattering silhouette. The pattern is rated as intermediate in skill level, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and ready to advance their skills.

Garment Overview

The Holborn is a women's fitted pullover sweater worked in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) throughout, giving it a smooth, classic fabric with clean lines. The sweater is available in five sizes, designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (S) through to 122–127 cm (XXL), making it an inclusive and versatile pattern suitable for a wide range of body types. The construction follows a traditional set of separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — all shaped with careful attention to fit before being joined at the raglan seams.

Sizing Details

• S: To fit bust 81–86 cm / 32–34 in
• M: To fit bust 91–97 cm / 36–38 in
• L: To fit bust 102–107 cm / 40–42 in
• XL: To fit bust 112–117 cm / 44–46 in
• XXL: To fit bust 122–127 cm / 48–50 in

Techniques Used

The Holborn Sweater employs a range of classic knitting techniques that are well-suited to an intermediate knitter. The body and sleeves are worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, a traditional construction method that produces a sturdy, well-finished garment.

Key Techniques Include:

• Raglan armhole shaping: A signature feature of this design, the raglan shaping is achieved through paired decreases worked on right-side rows. The pattern uses sl 1, K1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) at one end and K2tog (knit two together) at the other, creating neat, symmetrical decrease lines that define the raglan seam.
• Sleeve shaping with graduated increases: The sleeves are shaped using a carefully sequenced series of increases — worked every 4th row, every 6th row, and every 8th row depending on the size — allowing the sleeve to widen gradually from cuff to underarm for a precise and comfortable fit.
• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The entire body of the sweater is worked in stocking stitch, begun with a knit row on the right side. This produces the smooth, classic knitted fabric that gives the Holborn its refined, contemporary appearance.
• Casting off and picking up stitches: Armhole shaping begins with casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, a standard technique for creating a clean underarm edge before the raglan decreases commence.
• Needle changes for tension and rib sections: The pattern incorporates a change to 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body sections, consistent with working in DK weight yarn at the correct tension.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st): The primary stitch pattern used throughout the body, front, back, and sleeves. Worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side.
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease used in raglan shaping.
• sl 1, K1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over): A