Fritton Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Fritton in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca

Garment Overview

Fritton is a top-down seamless cardigan designed by Quail Studio and published by Mode at Rowan. This intermediate-level knitting pattern offers a modern, versatile layering piece suitable for a range of sizes from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm chest measurements. The seamless construction method eliminates the need for finishing seams, making it an efficient project for knitters with some experience.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked using the top-down seamless technique, which means knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward in rounds and rows. This construction approach allows for easy customization of length and provides the advantage of trying on the garment as you work. The pattern includes strategic increases at body and armhole markers to shape the garment as it grows from the top down.

Stitches and Techniques

The pattern employs stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, worked over a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows per 10 centimeters. Shaping is achieved through several increase methods:

• M1R (Make 1 Right) – an invisible increase worked by inserting the needle under the strand between stitches from back to front and knitting through it
• M1L (Make 1 Left) – the left-leaning counterpart, inserting from front to back
• M1RP (Make 1 Right Purlwise) – the purl-side version of the right increase
• M1LP (Make 1 Left Purlwise) – the purl-side version of the left increase

These make-one increases are strategically placed at body and armhole markers on alternating rows and specific intervals to create a well-fitted silhouette. The pattern also utilizes stitch markers to track shaping points throughout construction.

Materials Required

The cardigan is knitted in Rowan Softest Alpaca, a luxurious yarn available in 50-gram balls. Yardage requirements range from 8 balls for the smallest size (71-76 cm) to 13 balls for the largest size (152-157 cm), with the photographed sample shown in the colorway Pebble 013.

Needles required include:

• 5mm (US 8) circular needles measuring 40 centimeters
• 5.5mm (US 9) circular needles in lengths of 80 centimeters (for smaller sizes) or 120 to 160 centimeters (for larger sizes)
• One set of 5mm (US 8) double-pointed needles for working cuffs, or alternatively using the magic loop method with circular needles

Additional notions include 8 stitch markers for tracking shaping, stitch holders for managing stitches between sections, and 5 buttons for the cardigan front closure.

Size Range and Fit

The pattern accommodates nine sizes with finished chest measurements ranging from 95.5 centimeters (37½ inches) to 178 centimeters (70 inches). This extensive size range makes the pattern accessible to a wide variety of body types and allows for customization of fit through positive ease options.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading pattern instructions with special abbreviations, working increases consistently, and managing multiple stitch markers simultaneously. The top-down seamless method requires understanding how to shape garments through strategic increases rather than traditional seaming.