Rowan Magazine 76 showcases a stunning collection of knit and crochet patterns, with a unifying theme inspired by Rowan’s Yorkshire roots. Heritage, is the story woven through the patterns and draws from the iconic landscape of Yorkshire, including its stone buildings, cobbled streets, drystone walls, and the wild moors. This ever-changing and richly textured environment serves as the creative foundation for each design, resulting in a range of patterns that highlight both texture and colourwork.
From cozy cardigans to intricately detailed sweaters, the patterns in this issue capture the essence of Rowan’s heritage while maintaining a contemporary edge. Whether you prefer delicate lacework or bold motifs, this collection is a true reflection of craftsmanship and the beauty of natural inspiration. I’ll begin with Styal by Anna Hull, one of my favourite designs in this issue.
Anna Hull’s Styal is an eye-catching crochet sweater that beautifully combines a variety of stitch patterns, including bobbles and lattice structures. The design features a flattering drop shoulder and a classic round neck, giving it a modern, relaxed fit that is both stylish and comfortable to wear. Crocheted using Rowan Alpaca Classic, a blend known for its lightweight warmth and softness, this sweater is perfect for transitional seasons when you want something cozy but not too heavy.
The original pattern uses the shade Silver, a soft, neutral tone that highlights the intricate stitchwork and gives the sweater a timeless elegance. For those looking to add a bit more colour, Pink Lips, a strong bright pink, would offer a warmer, more feminine take on the design, while still maintaining the charm of the original.
Alpaca Classic in the shade ‘Pink Lips’
Another design I would like to knit is Meirion by Anna Hull. It is a neat and elegant sweater knitted top-down and in-the-round. It features a charming pinecone trim around the neck, cuffs, and hemline, adding a delicate touch to this otherwise simple stocking stitch sweater. The shallow funnel neck gives the sweater a flattering and modern silhouette, while the broken rib hems provide a clean finish.
Meirion by Anna Hull
This pattern uses Rowan Felted Tweed in two complementary shades: Scree and Barn Red. The soft grey of Scree provides an ideal backdrop for the rich, autumnal tones of Barn Red, creating a striking contrast that highlights the motif. If you’re looking for something different—softer, lighter, or darker—Felted Tweed offers 63 shades, giving you endless possibilities to customise your sweater.
Lister, a vibrant cropped cardigan by Brandon Mably, is crafted with eight stunning shades of Rowan Felted Tweed. The bold colour combinations provide eye-catching bursts of colour, while the ‘striped’ design is skillfully achieved using the intarsia technique. The classic round-neck cardigan is finished with simple garter stitch trims, adding a refined touch to this playful piece.
Lister by Brandon Mably
I love this cardigan, but I don’t think I would have the time to knit it – you’ve really got to concentrate on the pattern with all those colour changes!
I love a top-down sweater, and Florence Spurling’s Ellerby does not disappoint. Knitted in the luxurious Alpaca Soft DK, this in-the-round design features a beautiful Fair Isle yoke, seamlessly transitioning into a delicately textured body and sleeves, finished with classic rib trims. It’s a charming and versatile knit, perfect for everyday layering.
Ellerby by Florence Spurling
I would prefer to knit the main shade in Simply White and use Naples Blue as the Fair Isle contrast shade. Or perhaps go for something like Deep Rose for the main colour, with Deep Burgundy as the contrast for the Fair Isle yoke.
Alpaca Soft DK Shades
Benyons by Martin Storey
Knitted in Alpaca Soft DK, Benyons, Martin Storey’s collared cardigan, looks so soft and comfortable. The three-colour stripe incorporates a textured grid pattern, adding visual interest to this classic autumn layer. As the cardigan features an overall textured pattern, I would love to knit it in just one colour—though I’m still deciding which one, as there are 26 shades to choose from. This is a great everyday knit that would work with any outfit.
Highfield by Martin Storey
Highfield, a neat, round-neck cardigan from Martin Storey, is knitted in Alpaca Soft DK. Beautiful lattice cables and set-in sleeves add a sense of structure to this stunning, slim-line knit. I love cardigans and definitely need to add a new one to my wardrobe. Maybe this could be the one, but I’ll have to decide which colour to knit it in from the 26 shades to choose from.
Layer it over a shirt, blouse, or tee, or under a coat for extra warmth. However you choose to wear this cute, fitted waistcoat Marshall by Chloe Thurlow, this versatile knit will accompany you through the seasons. Knitted in Rowan Felted Tweed, the Fair Isle design features a pretty check pattern of varying sizes and handy pockets—a nice little addition!
Marshall by Chloe Thurlow
I love this piece because it’s fitted, and waistcoats and vest tops are very fashionable at the moment. It’s originally designed using three shades of Rowan Felted Tweed, but perhaps it could be knitted in just one shade – only 63 to choose from!
Rowan Magazine 76 truly captures the essence of Yorkshire’s rich heritage, blending timeless designs with modern flair. With 35 patterns in total, the ones I’ve chosen—like the intricate stitch patterns of Styal and the fitted elegance of Marshall—are just 7 of my personal favourites. Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of waistcoats, the comfort of cozy cardigans like Benyons and Highfield, or the beautifully detailed colourwork of Meirion and Lister, this collection offers an abundance of inspiration. With a wide variety of textures, styles, and colour options, you’ll find the perfect project to suit your wardrobe and knitting desires. Each pattern celebrates the craftsmanship and beauty of Rowan Yarns, making them heirlooms to cherish for years to come.
Click the links below to look or buy:
Patterns in Rowan’s Knitting & Crochet Magazine No. 76
Styal crochet sweater pattern and yarn
Meirion top-down sweater and yarn
Lister round neck colourful striped cardigan
Ellerby top-down Fair Isle yoke sweater
Benyons collared cardigan
Highfield lattice cabled cardigan
Marshall fitted check waistcoat
Rowan Alpaca Soft DK
Rowan Alpaca Classic
Rowan Felted Tweed
Happy knitting!
Esther x