Falcon Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Falcon Cardigan in Rowan Four Seasons

What Is Being Made

The Falcon Cardigan is a knitted cardigan garment designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), making it available in ten size options. This advanced beginner-level project creates a wearable layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

The Falcon Cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked in knit and purl stitches to create elastic, fitted cuffs and waistbands. The main body and sleeves feature stockinette stitch, a foundational technique that creates the smooth, classic knit fabric appearance. A decorative lace pattern is incorporated throughout, created using yarn forward stitches and knit two together decreases to form eyelet holes. This lace section is strategically repeated multiple times to build visual interest and texture variation across the garment.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in ribbed sections and pattern rows
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Creates eyelet openings in the lace pattern
• Knit two together (K2tog): A decrease stitch paired with yarn forwards to form decorative lace motifs
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Alternating knit and purl rows worked in the round or flat to create smooth fabric
• Ribbing (K1, P1): Elastic edging used at cuffs, waistbands, and openings

Materials

The Falcon Cardigan is worked using Rowan Four Seasons yarn in 50-gram balls, photographed in the colorway Frost 001. The project requires 6mm (US 10) needles—one pair for flat sections and circular needles at least 140 cm long for seamless construction or in-the-round work. Additional notions include stitch holders and stitch markers to manage stitches during shaping and pattern work.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 14.5 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the lace and stockinette pattern using 6mm needles. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements across all ten size options.

Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces: a back, two front panels, and two sleeves. The back begins with a cast-on of between 72 and 132 stitches depending on size, starting with ribbed edging before transitioning into the main pattern. Sleeves are worked separately, beginning with 54 to 62 stitches in ribbing, then expanding into stockinette and lace sections. The lace pattern—consisting of four rows that repeat—is worked multiple times to create depth and visual texture. Stockinette stitch sections of 15–17 centimeters alternate with the lace repeats, building the length and structure of each piece. The pattern provides specific row counts and measurements to guide construction from cast-on through cast-off, ensuring consistent sizing across all garment pieces.