Birdie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Birdie Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Birdie is an intermediate-level cardigan pattern designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with corresponding actual garment chest measurements from 80 cm to 161.5 cm. This versatile cardigan is available in multiple sizes to accommodate a wide range of body types and fit preferences.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project created by renowned designer Martin Storey for Rowan. The pattern employs classic cardigan construction techniques including cast-on shaping, armhole decreases, shoulder shaping, and back neck shaping. The garment features pattern work that must be maintained throughout the construction process, requiring intermediate-level knitting skills and attention to stitch placement during decreases and increases.

Stitches and Shaping Methods

The pattern utilizes standard knitting techniques including:

• Cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows to shape armholes
• Single decreases at each end of rows for armhole tapering
• Alternating row decreases for refined shaping
• Shoulder cap shaping through graduated cast-offs
• Back neck shaping with separate side sections
• Neckband construction using held stitches

The cardigan maintains a stitch pattern throughout, requiring knitters to keep pattern correct while executing all shaping decreases and increases.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for Rowan Pebble Island yarn in five coordinating colors, each supplied in 50-gram balls. The color palette includes:

• A: Un-Dyed 030 – quantities ranging from 6 to 11 balls depending on size
• B: Rockhopper 027 – quantities ranging from 2 to 4 balls
• C: Stanley 025 – quantities ranging from 1 to 2 balls
• D: Marble 020 – quantities ranging from 1 to 2 balls
• E: Tussac 023 – quantities ranging from 1 to 2 balls

Knitting needles required include one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles and one pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles. The cardigan is finished with seven 15mm shell buttons (TG4276) from Textile Garden.

Pattern Features

The Birdie cardigan includes detailed armhole shaping that varies by size, with cast-offs ranging from 4 to 12 stitches and subsequent decreases over multiple rows for a well-fitted sleeve cap. Armhole depth ranges from 18 cm in smaller sizes to 28 cm in the largest size. The shoulder shaping is graduated across sizes, and the back neck includes a center holder section for neckband attachment, with separate left and right side shaping to create a refined neckline.