Cawston Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Cawston Cardigan by Quail Studio

What Is Being Made

The Cawston is a sophisticated cardigan designed by Quail Studio and published by Rowan as part of the Mode at Rowan collection. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a classic cardigan with a tie opening detail at the right hem side, available in ten sizes ranging from 71–76 cm to 142–147 cm chest measurements. The finished garment features a structured silhouette with shaped shoulders and a tailored back neck, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Cawston employs several intermediate knitting techniques appropriate for advanced beginners. The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, refined surface ideal for showcasing the yarn's qualities. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing at the neck edge and casting off at the shoulders, requiring careful attention to row counting and stitch management. The pattern also features a distinctive tie opening detail constructed by casting on and casting off stitches at the right hem side, adding both functional and aesthetic interest. Stitch holders are used to temporarily hold stitches for the back neck during construction, and the pattern requires working with both flat needles and circular needles for different sections.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The foundation stitch worked throughout the majority of the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth fabric texture
• Garter stitch: Implied in the initial rows and tie opening sections, created by knitting every row to add subtle texture and stability
• Decreasing: Used at the neck edge to shape the neckline with controlled, gradual reductions
• Casting on and casting off: Essential techniques for creating the tie opening feature and finishing all edges

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Cawston is designed to be worked in Rowan Alpaca Cotton, a luxurious blend yarn available in 25-gram balls. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Snowflake 014, though knitters may select from other available colors in the Alpaca Cotton range. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 9 balls for the smallest size (71–76 cm) to 19 balls for the largest size (142–147 cm).

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different gauges to accommodate the construction method. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the main fabric and are the primary needles for achieving the correct tension. 3.75mm (US 5) needles serve as secondary needles, likely for ribbed edgings or alternative sections requiring a tighter gauge. Additionally, 3.75mm (US 5) circular needles measuring at least 120 cm in length are required, suggesting these are used for seamless construction or picking up stitches around larger sections of the garment.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is critical for this pattern. The specified tension is 22 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Knitters should work a tension swatch before beginning the project to ensure their finished garment matches the intended dimensions and drape of the design.

Pattern Structure Overview

The pattern is organized by garment sections, beginning with detailed instructions for the back piece. The back is constructed by casting on the appropriate number of stitches based on the selected size, working in stockinette stitch for several rows before the tie opening is created at the right hem side. The pattern then progresses to shaping the armholes, shoulders, and back neck with precise decreasing instructions. Separate instructions for the left and right shoulder sections ensure proper shaping at the neckline, with stitches held on stitch holders for later finishing. This methodical approach is typical of advanced beginner patterns, providing clear structure while requiring knitters to manage multiple shaping techniques simultaneously.