Cotelin Plain Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Cotelin Plain Cardigan in Rowan Fine Tweed Haze

What is Being Made

The Cotelin Plain is a striped cardigan pattern designed by Lisa Richardson, available in nine sizes to fit chest measurements from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic cardigan with a sophisticated striped colorwork design, suitable for a range of body sizes from children through to larger adults.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques. The primary construction method involves working a repeating four-row stitch pattern that incorporates slipped stitches to create texture and visual interest. Colorwork is achieved through a systematic stripe sequence that repeats throughout the garment, requiring knitters to join and break off different colored yarns as specified in the pattern instructions. The pattern also includes shaping techniques for armhole increases, demonstrating intermediate-level construction skills. The cardigan is worked in separate pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—which are then assembled together.

Stitches Used

The foundational stitch pattern consists of knit stitches combined with slipped stitches worked purlwise. The basic four-row repeat alternates between rows worked entirely in knit stitch and rows that incorporate slipped stitches kept at the back of the work, creating a subtle textured surface. This pattern repeat is maintained throughout the body and sleeves while the stripe sequence progresses, allowing the colorwork to build visual depth without requiring complex color techniques.

Materials Required

Yarn: The Cotelin Plain is worked in Rowan Fine Tweed Haze, a 50-gram yarn. The pattern uses five different colors from this yarn line: Mist 007 (yarn A), Lawn 005 (yarn B), Verd 004 (yarn C), Rise 001 (yarn D), and Deep 002 (yarn E). Yardage requirements vary by size, with the smallest size requiring 3 grams of yarn A and increasing to 6 grams for the largest size, while supporting colors are used in smaller quantities throughout the stripe sequence.

Needles: This project requires three needle sizes. The pattern calls for 4mm (US 6) needles, 5mm (US 8) needles, and a 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle measuring at least 120 cm in length. The 5mm needles are used for the main body fabric, while smaller needles are employed for finishing details such as ribbing or edgings.

Stripe Sequence and Pattern Structure

The stripe pattern follows a specific 176-row sequence that repeats as required throughout the back and right front pieces. This sequence incorporates color changes at regular intervals, with rows 1 through 4 establishing the base stitch pattern, followed by rows 5 through 88 working in the established pattern with specific yarn colors. Rows 89 through 92 introduce a color change, and this four-row unit repeats ten times before transitioning to the next color sequence at rows 133 through 176, which also repeats ten times. This structured approach ensures consistent stripe placement across the garment.