Charisse In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Charisse Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle

What Is Being Made

Charisse is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson and crafted from Rowan Alpaca Sparkle yarn. This advanced beginner-level garment features a classic button-front closure with four mother-of-pearl buttons and is available in five sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–86 cm up to 152–157 cm. The cardigan combines elegant shaping with a textured patterned design, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The construction of Charisse employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for advancing knitters. The cardigan begins with cast-on stitches and incorporates decreasing for shaping the front slope and shoulders, creating a fitted silhouette. Pattern repeats from a chart guide the main body fabric, while ribbed edging provides structure at the cuffs and lower edges. The pattern requires careful attention to shaping sequences, including multiple decrease rows spaced at regular intervals to achieve the front slope contour. For larger sizes, the pattern suggests using a circular needle worked flat (backwards and forwards in rows) rather than straight needles, demonstrating adaptability for different garment widths.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g st) – creates a textured, reversible fabric used for the initial ribbed sections and edge treatments
• Knit and purl stitches – form the foundation of the ribbed cuff pattern (K2, P2 repeat)
• Charted patterning – a 16-row repeat pattern worked across the main body pieces, providing visual interest and texture
• Decreases – single stitch decreases (dec 1 st) worked at strategic points to shape the front slope and shoulder seams
• Cast-off (bind-off) – secures stitches at shoulder and armhole edges

Materials and Tools

Charisse is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Sparkle yarn in 50-gram balls (photographed in the Silver colorway, shade 10024). The pattern requires a total of 6–10 balls depending on the size selected. Three needle sizes are essential: 7mm (US 10½) needles for cast-on and ribbed sections, 9mm (US 13) needles for the main patterned fabric, and a 6mm (US 10) circular needle at least 110 cm long for neckband and finishing (particularly useful for larger sizes). The cardigan is finished with four grey mother-of-pearl buttons measuring 23mm (TGB4677 from Textile Garden), which provide both functional closure and decorative detail.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 10 stitches and 15 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over the charted pattern using 9mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The five available sizes accommodate chest measurements of 28–34 cm, 36–42 cm, 44–50 cm, 52–58 cm, and 60–62 cm, with corresponding finished chest measurements of 126 cm, 146 cm, 166 cm, 186 cm, and 206 cm respectively.