Alaska Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Alaska Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic

What is Being Made

The Alaska Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Quails Studio, available in nine sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 61 cm to 152–157 cm (approximately 24 inches to 60 inches). This garment is crafted in Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn, photographed in the Snowflake White colorway. The cardigan features a structured construction with separate back, right front, and left front pieces that are shaped at the shoulders, creating a fitted silhouette suitable for layering.

Techniques Used

The Alaska Cardigan employs fundamental knitting construction techniques appropriate for advanced beginner knitters. The pattern involves casting on to establish the foundation stitches for each garment section, followed by continuous pattern work in the main body. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows to reduce stitch counts and create the armhole and neckline areas. Increases are worked at specific points to maintain proper stitch counts during the shaping process. The pattern includes a back collar extension that continues from the shoulder cast-off point, adding a distinctive design element. All pieces are worked in a consistent gauge to ensure proper fit and drape across the nine size options.

Stitches Used

The Alaska Cardigan is constructed primarily using a ribbed pattern throughout. The stitch pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence: K2, P2 (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches). This classic ribbed texture creates vertical lines and provides elasticity to the fabric. The ribbing pattern is established in the first two rows and continues consistently across all garment sections until the shoulder shaping begins. Stitch markers are recommended as extras to help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout construction.

Materials

The Alaska Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn in 25-gram balls. The yarn is worked on 3¾mm (US 5) needles (one pair required). The specified tension is 26 stitches and 38 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern using the recommended needle size. This tension measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements across all nine sizes. Stitch markers are required as additional notions to assist with pattern tracking during knitting.

Size Range and Finished Measurements

• Size 1: To fit 61 cm chest; finished chest 101 cm
• Size 2: To fit 62 cm chest; finished chest 110 cm
• Size 3: To fit 62 cm chest; finished chest 121 cm
• Size 4: To fit 71–76 cm chest; finished chest 130 cm
• Size 5: To fit 81–86 cm chest; finished chest 141 cm
• Size 6: To fit 91–97 cm chest; finished chest 150 cm
• Size 7: To fit 102–107 cm chest; finished chest 161 cm
• Size 8: To fit 112–117 cm chest; finished chest 170 cm
• Size 9: To fit 122–127 cm to 132–137 cm chest; finished chest 182.5 cm

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized into three main sections: the back, right front, and left front. Each section begins with casting on a specific number of stitches determined by the chosen size, then continues in the K2, P2 ribbed pattern until the piece reaches the required length from the cast-on edge. The front pieces measure between 58 and 72 centimeters from cast-on to shoulder shaping, depending on size. Shoulder shaping is executed by casting off a large number of stitches at the beginning of a row, then working a single increase stitch before continuing the pattern on the remaining stitches to form the back collar extension. This extension section continues for an additional 10 to 11.5 centimeters before final cast-off, creating a distinctive collar feature characteristic of the Alaska Cardigan design.