Fleming In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Fleming Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle

What is Being Made

The Fleming cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is available in nine size options, ranging from 28–30 inches (71–76 cm) to 60–62 inches (152–157 cm) chest measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished cardigan features a traditional button-front opening with a ribbed neckband and structured armhole shaping.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced beginner project employs several core knitting techniques to construct the garment. Ribbed edging is used throughout the design, particularly at the front opening edge and neckband, providing elasticity and a polished finish. Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric body, creating a smooth, classic appearance. Garter stitch is worked at the front opening edge (2 stitches) to create a neat, stable selvage. The pattern incorporates shaping through strategic decreases at the armhole and waist to create a fitted silhouette. Seaming is required to join the front and back pieces together, and neckband pick-up and knitting is used to finish the collar opening with a 160 cm length of 7 cm wide ribbon as a trim detail.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the garter stitch edges and stockinette fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed pattern (K2, P2 rib)
• Garter stitch – created by knitting every row, worked on the 2 front opening edge stitches
• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch pattern for the cardigan body, created by alternating knit rows (right side) and purl rows (wrong side)
• Ribbing (K2, P2 repeat) – provides structure and elasticity at the ribbed sections
• Decreases – worked at armhole edges and waist to shape the garment
• Cast-on and cast-off – used to begin and finish sections of the cardigan

Materials

The Fleming cardigan is worked in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle, a luxurious yarn available in 50-gram balls. The pattern specifies the yarn quantity varies by size, ranging from 5 to 10 balls depending on the finished chest measurement selected. The yarn is photographed in the colorway Almond 10020. All knitting is worked using 6mm (US 10) needles (referred to as no. 4 in UK sizing). The pattern also requires a 160 cm length of 7 cm wide ribbon for the neckband trim. The tension is established at 13 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the specified needle size, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment dimensions.