Barley Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Barley Cardigan in Rowan Cotton Trio

What is Being Made

The Barley Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This intermediate-level garment is available in nine sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28 inches) through to 152-157 cm (60 inches), with actual finished chest measurements from 81.5 cm to 164.5 cm. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with three imitation horn buttons, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Barley Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structure and visual interest. The garment begins with a twisted rib foundation, which provides elasticity and a refined finish at the lower edge. The main body is constructed using a 20-row pattern repeat worked from a chart, allowing for texture and stitch variation throughout the piece. Cable techniques are incorporated, specifically a C8B (cable 8 back) abbreviation, which adds dimensional detail to the design. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases, particularly at the neck edge where decreases are worked over multiple rows to create a refined neckline. The cardigan is worked in pieces—back, left front, and right front—which are then assembled, a standard construction method for cardigans that allows for precise fit and button placement.

Stitches Used

The foundation of the Barley Cardigan is established with twisted rib, created by alternating purl and knit through the back loop stitches. This twisted rib is worked for 14 rows total (2 rows to establish the pattern, then 12 additional rows) and provides both elasticity and a polished appearance. The main body features a 20-row pattern repeat worked from a chart, which structures the overall design. Cable stitches are used as a special abbreviation (C8B), adding textural interest and dimension to the fabric. Additional techniques include standard increases and decreases for shaping, and cast-off stitches for finishing edges and creating the neckline opening.

Materials

The Barley Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Cotton Trio yarn in 50-gram balls. The yarn is worked at a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters on the larger needles. Two needle sizes are required: 2¾mm (US 2) needles for the twisted rib cuffs and lower edges, and 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the main body pattern work. A cable needle is also needed to work the cable stitches. The cardigan is fastened with three imitation horn buttons measuring 20mm (TGB4775 from Textile Garden), which provide a natural, classic finish to the front closure. The specific colorway shown in the pattern photograph is Fresh 114.