Aries Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Aries Cardigan by Quail Studio for Rowan Colourmix

What is Being Made

The Aries is a knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio and published as part of the MODE at Rowan collection. This garment is a button-front cardigan available in nine sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a classic construction with a shaped front slope at the neckline, creating a flattering silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Aries cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner level of skill:

• Ribbed edging and body work: The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 2x2 knit-purl repeat, which provides elasticity and a professional finish to the lower edge of the garment.
• Mistake rib patterning: The main body of the cardigan is worked in a mistake rib pattern, which creates visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters developing their skills. Mistake rib involves a deliberate offset of the traditional rib sequence, producing a subtly textured surface.
• Shaping through decreasing: The front slope is created using strategic decreases at the neck edge, worked at varying intervals depending on the size being knitted. These decreases are maintained while keeping the pattern correct, requiring the knitter to track both shaping and stitch pattern simultaneously.
• Circular needle construction: The pattern calls for a circular needle at least 80 cm long, which may be used for working certain sections or for holding stitches during construction.

Stitches Used

The Aries cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches that form the foundation of most knitted garments:

• Knit stitch (K): The basic knit stitch forms the primary structure of the fabric.
• Purl stitch (P): The purl stitch is combined with knit stitches to create the ribbed and mistake rib textures throughout the garment.
• 2x2 Rib: An alternating pattern of two knit stitches followed by two purl stitches, worked in the round or flat, creating vertical columns that provide stretch and recovery.
• Mistake Rib: A variation of traditional ribbing where the knit and purl sequences are deliberately offset between rows, creating a textured appearance while maintaining the fabric's elasticity.
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases are used at the front neck edge to shape the garment's neckline and create the front slope.

Materials

The Aries cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Colourmix, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 12 balls for the smallest size (71-76 cm bust) to 23 balls for the largest size (152-157 cm bust). The pattern was photographed in the colorway Blush Pinks 10105, which provides a soft, romantic aesthetic.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes plus one circular needle:

• 4.5mm (UK size 7 / US size 7) needles: Used for the initial ribbed edging and cuffs, where the smaller needle size creates a tighter, more elastic fabric.
• 5mm (UK size 6 / US size 8) needles: Used for the main body of the cardigan after the ribbed sections, allowing the fabric to open up slightly and drape more naturally.
• 4.5mm (UK size 7 / US size 7) circular needle, minimum 80 cm length: Provides flexibility for various construction methods and stitch holding.

The pattern also requires four buttons for the front closure, which should be selected to complement the chosen yarn color and the knitter's personal style.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the pattern stitch using the 5mm (US 8) needles. This relatively loose gauge contributes to a fabric with good drape and comfortable wear, appropriate