Colne Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Colne Cardigan in Rowan Valley Tweed

What is Being Made

The Colne Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson for Rowan Yarns. This garment is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches), with finished bust measurements between 92–132 cm (36–52 inches). The cardigan features a classic construction with shaped armholes, shoulder shaping, and a structured back neck detail.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suited to crafters with moderate experience. The cardigan begins with garter stitch ribbing at the lower edge, providing elasticity and definition. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, a foundational technique that creates a smooth, professional finish. Throughout the garment, the pattern incorporates stripe sequences that are maintained consistently across all sections, requiring careful attention to color changes and row counting.

Shaping techniques include decreasing at side seams to create a fitted silhouette, with decreases worked at regular intervals over multiple rows. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreases over subsequent rows and alternate rows to create a curved armhole cap. Shoulder shaping and back neck shaping are accomplished through strategic cast-offs and decreases at the neck edge, allowing the garment to fit properly across the shoulders and neckline.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): Used for the initial ribbing rows to create an elastic, textured edge
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the body, sleeves, and all major sections, creating a smooth, classic appearance
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches: The fundamental building blocks of both garter and stockinette stitch techniques
• Decreases: Single decreases at each end of rows and at neck edges to shape the garment
• Cast-offs: Used to bind off stitches when shaping armholes, shoulders, and completing the neckline

Materials and Gauge

The Colne Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Valley Tweed yarn, a premium British yarn available in three colorways: Malham (101), Penyghent (104), and Gordale (105). The yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 4–9 balls of 50-gram weight depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 5mm (US 8) needles for the ribbed cuff sections and 6mm (US 10) needles for the main body. The cardigan is worked using two strands of yarn held together, which creates a thicker fabric and contributes to the garment's structure and drape. The tension is established at 21 stitches and 21 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the 6mm needles with two strands held together. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the garment to fit properly across all five size options.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized by size, with measurements and stitch counts provided in brackets for each of the five bust sizes. The back panel is worked first, beginning with garter stitch ribbing followed by stockinette stitch with integrated stripe sequences. Side seams are decreased gradually to create shaping, and armholes are shaped through cast-offs and decreases. The shoulders and back neck are shaped in the final rows, with separate instructions for working each side of the neck independently. This structured approach ensures a professional finish and proper fit across all garment sections.