Fortaleza Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Fortaleza Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite 4ply

What is Being Made

The Fortaleza Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Quails Studio, available in nine size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic button-front cardigan suitable for a range of body types and fit preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques to construct its garment pieces. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging worked in a repeating pattern to create elasticated cuffs and bands. Stockinette stitch forms the main body fabric, providing a smooth, classic appearance. Shaping techniques are used throughout, including decreases at strategic points to create the front slope of the cardigan and armhole shaping. The pattern requires working from stitch holders to manage multiple sections, particularly when handling the front band and shoulder areas. Pieces are worked flat on straight needles before being joined, with a circular needle used for certain sections.

Stitches Used

• Ribbed stitch: A combination of knit and purl stitches (K3, P2 repeat) creates the textured ribbing on the cuffs and bands, providing stretch and structure
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic smooth fabric
• Knit 2 together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping the front slope and armholes
• Purl stitches: Used in combination with knits to create the ribbed pattern and as the reverse rows of stockinette stitch

Materials and Tools

The Fortaleza Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn available in multiple colorways (the pattern is photographed in Ecru 436). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 8 to 11 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on the finished garment size selected.

Knitting needles required include 3mm (US 2/3) straight needles for the main fabric and ribbed sections, and a 3mm (US 2/3) circular needle at least 100 cm long for certain construction stages. The pattern also requires four 12mm buttons for the front closure, stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction, and standard knitting notions.

Tension and Fit

Achieving proper tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch, and 32 stitches and 32.5 rows to 10 cm measured over ribbed pattern, both using 3mm needles. The actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranges from 89.5 cm (35¼ inches) to 170.5 cm (67¼ inches), accommodating multiple sizing options.

Pattern Structure

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces: a back panel, left front, and right front. Each piece begins with ribbed edging worked over 26 rows, followed by a decrease row to establish the stockinette stitch body. The pattern then incorporates shaping for the front slope (a diagonal line created by decreasing at the front edge) and armhole shaping (decreases at both edges to create the sleeve opening). Stitch holders are used to preserve stitches for the front band and shoulder areas, which are completed after the main body pieces are shaped.