Cley Dress Knitting Pattern

Cley Knitted Dress by Quail Studio

What Is Being Made

Cley is an intermediate-level knitted dress designed by Quail Studio and published by Rowan as part of the Mode at Rowan collection. This downloadable PDF pattern (MIP30-ENP) produces a fitted dress with ribbed construction throughout. The design is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) chest to fit through to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest, with actual garment chest measurements spanning from 99 cm (39 inches) to 181 cm (71¼ inches).

Techniques Used

The Cley dress employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles, then transitions to larger needles for the body. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases at the armholes and neckline, with the pattern providing detailed row-by-row instructions for armhole and shoulder shaping. The front neckline features graduated decreases worked over multiple rows and alternate rows to create a smooth, curved neckline. The pattern requires working pieces separately and joining them, with stitch holders used to manage live stitches during construction.

Stitches Used

• Rib stitch: The primary stitch throughout the entire garment, worked as alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 rib) to create vertical texture and natural elasticity
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases at armholes and neckline edges to shape the garment
• Cast-on and cast-off: Standard techniques for beginning and finishing edges

Materials and Equipment

This pattern is designed to be worked in Rowan Softest Alpaca, a luxurious yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 10 balls for the smallest size (71-76 cm chest) to 19 balls for the largest size (152-157 cm chest). The dress is photographed in the colorway Pebble 013. Two pairs of needles are required: 4.5mm (UK size 7 / US size 7) needles for the ribbed cuff and 5mm (UK size 6 / US size 8) needles for the main body. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during shaping. The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 10 centimeters, measured over rib when slightly stretched using the 5mm needles.

Pattern Structure

The Cley dress is constructed using a traditional flat-knit method with separate back and front pieces. The back is worked first, establishing the overall length and shaping. The front follows a similar construction but includes additional shaping for the neckline, with decreases distributed across multiple rows to create a gradual, flattering curve. Both pieces require armhole shaping achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by graduated decreases. Shoulder shaping is worked symmetrically on both sides of the back and front pieces.