Fowberry Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Fowberry Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic

What is Being Made

The Fowberry Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, featuring a sophisticated multi-color striped pattern created through strategic yarn color changes. This intermediate-level garment is tailored for a range of bust sizes from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches), with actual finished bust measurements ranging from 112–150 cm (44–59 inches). The design showcases a striking striped colorway that repeats across the body of the garment, making it a visually dynamic layering piece suitable for various seasons.

Techniques Used

The primary construction technique is flat knitting worked in rows, with color changes integrated throughout the pattern sequence. The cardigan employs a stripe technique where different yarn colors are introduced at specific row intervals, creating a repeating 128-row color sequence. This method requires careful attention to yarn management and color placement to achieve the intended visual effect. The pattern uses stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) as the foundation, with patterned sections worked over the main body. Shaping is accomplished through strategic increases and decreases to create the fitted silhouette appropriate to each size.

Stitches Used

The Fowberry Cardigan is primarily constructed using stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. The pattern incorporates color-work stripes as the primary decorative element, with yarn colors changing every 2 rows throughout the 128-row repeat sequence. This creates horizontal bands of color that progress through the palette. The tension specification indicates that the garment is measured over both patterned sections and stocking stitch, suggesting the stripe work is integral to the overall fabric structure rather than applied separately.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Fowberry Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn, a luxurious fiber blend worked in ten coordinating colorways. The yarn requirements vary by size, with the largest size requiring up to 7 skeins of the primary color (Purple Rain, shade 123) and smaller quantities of accent colors. The complete color palette includes:

• Yarn A: Purple Rain (shade 123) – 5–7 x 25gm skeins depending on size
• Yarn B: Golden Girl (shade 114) – 1 x 25gm skein
• Yarn C: Verdigris (shade 108) – 2 x 25gm skeins
• Yarn D: Dahlia (shade 121) – 1 x 25gm skein
• Yarn E: Copper Clay (shade 119) – 2–3 x 25gm skeins
• Yarn F: Soft Satin (shade 116) – 1 x 25gm skein
• Yarn G: Pink Lips (shade 124) – 1–2 x 25gm skeins
• Yarn H: Peacock (shade 107) – 1 x 25gm skein
• Yarn I: Willow (shade 112) – 1–2 x 25gm skeins
• Yarn J: Deep Teal (shade 109) – 1 x 25gm skein

Knitting needles required are 3¼mm (US 3) and 3¾mm (US 5), with the larger needles used for the main fabric. The pattern tension is specified as 33 stitches and 46 rows to 10 cm measured over the patterned sections, and 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm measured over stocking stitch, both using the 3¾mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit across all size options.

Pattern Structure and Color Sequence

The Fowberry Cardigan's most distinctive feature is its meticulously planned 128-row color sequence that forms the foundation of the design. Colors are introduced in pairs of rows, alternating systematically through the ten-color palette. This structured approach ensures consistent color distribution and creates a balanced, harmonious striped effect. The repeating sequence allows knitters to develop a rhythm while working, making