Golden Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Golden Cardigan in Rowan Creative Linen

What is Being Made

The Golden Cardigan is a beginner-level knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is worked as a single continuous piece, beginning at the lower back and progressing through to the lower fronts. The cardigan features drop stitch patterning throughout and is available in multiple sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-147 cm.

Construction Method

This cardigan is constructed using a seamless or minimal-seam approach. The garment is knitted in one piece starting from the back section, with sleeve shaping incorporated by casting on stitches at designated points. After the main body and sleeves are completed, the left front and right front sections are worked, with shaping applied to create the front neck opening. Side and sleeve seams are then finished using either backstitch or mattress stitch, depending on preference.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch pattern is drop stitch, which creates a distinctive textured appearance. This pattern is formed over 4 rows: knit on row 1, purl on row 2, then knit with the yarn wrapped around the needle twice on row 3, and finally purl while dropping the extra loops on row 4. This 4-row sequence is repeated throughout the garment to maintain consistent patterning.

Additional techniques include:

• Casting on and casting off using standard methods
• Sleeve shaping achieved by casting on stitches at the beginning of rows to increase width
• Neck shaping created by casting off stitches at designated points
• Seaming using backstitch or mattress stitch for joining seams

Materials

The Golden Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Creative Linen, a 100-gram yarn. The pattern is photographed in the Mustard 647 colorway. The garment requires 4½mm (US 7) needles for construction. Additional notions include a stitch holder or spare needle and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended tension is 16 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over the drop stitch pattern using 4½mm needles. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern provides nine different size options with corresponding stitch counts and finished bust measurements, allowing for a customized fit.

Skill Level

This pattern is classified as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters who are new to garment construction. While the drop stitch pattern requires attention to detail, the straightforward shaping and single-piece construction method make this an ideal project for developing fundamental cardigan-making skills.