Cotelin Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Cotelin Cardigan in Rowan Fine Tweed Haze

What is Being Made

Cotelin is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is available in nine sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 in) through to 152-157 cm (60-62 in), with finished chest measurements from 127 cm to 209 cm. The cardigan features a structured construction with back and front panels, armhole shaping, and a distinctive striped colorway pattern.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The cardigan uses slip stitch colorwork, a technique where stitches are slipped purlwise to create subtle color effects without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork. The pattern incorporates stripe sequencing that repeats throughout the garment, with color changes worked systematically across rows. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic increases worked at regular intervals, with different increase frequencies depending on the size being knitted. The construction method involves working flat pieces that are later assembled.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cotelin cardigan is primarily constructed using knit stitches combined with slip stitches worked purlwise. The foundational stitch pattern repeats over four rows, alternating between knit rows and rows featuring slipped stitches. Specifically, rows alternate between knitting with the working yarn held at the back of the work and slipping stitches purlwise while maintaining the yarn at the back (reverse side) of the fabric. This four-row pattern repeat is then incorporated into a larger 176-row stripe sequence that forms the basis of the garment's visual design. The stripe sequence is repeated as required to reach the desired finished length.

Yarn and Materials

Cotelin is knitted using Rowan Fine Tweed Haze, a yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The striped version features five coordinated colorways: Mist (color 007), Lawn (color 005), Verd (color 004), Rise (color 001), and Deep (color 002). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 3 balls of Mist for the smallest size to 6 balls for the largest. The pattern also offers a plain version photographed in Mist 007 alone.

The project requires two pairs of needles in different sizes: a pair of 4mm (US 6) needles and a pair of 5mm (US 8) needles. Additionally, a 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle at least 120 cm long is needed, likely for finishing details such as neckbands or button bands.

Construction Overview

The cardigan is worked in separate pieces beginning with the back panel. Stitches are cast on using the 5mm needles, and the garment is worked in the established stitch and stripe pattern. The back piece is worked straight to the armhole depth, which measures approximately 39-43 cm depending on size. Armhole shaping is then introduced through increases worked at each end of the piece at specified intervals. The pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions for managing the stripe sequence while maintaining pattern integrity throughout armhole shaping and subsequent sections.