Halley Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Halley Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Halley Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. This intermediate-level garment is crafted to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, making it available in nine different sizes. The cardigan features a traditional button-front closure with three wooden buttons, each measuring 2.4 cm in diameter.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques suitable for experienced knitters. The garment construction includes armhole shaping, which is achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by decreasing one stitch at each end over multiple alternating rows. Shoulder shaping is incorporated through graduated cast-offs to create a fitted shoulder line. The pattern demonstrates neckline shaping with decreases worked at the neck edge while simultaneously managing shoulder cast-offs, requiring knitters to work each side of the neck separately. The cardigan features pattern stitch work throughout, with instructions to maintain the stitch pattern while executing all shaping, indicating the use of a decorative or textured stitch rather than stockinette stitch alone. The garment is constructed in separate pieces—back and left front are detailed in the provided excerpt—which are subsequently assembled.

Stitches Used

While the complete stitch pattern is not fully detailed in the provided content, the pattern notation indicates the use of a repeating pattern stitch that must be maintained consistently throughout the garment, including during all shaping rows. The pattern requires knitters to keep pattern correct while executing cast-offs and decreases, suggesting a stitch pattern with defined repeat sequences. Standard knitting techniques including casting on, casting off, knit and purl stitches, and decreasing form the foundation of this design.

Materials

The Halley Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a 50-gram ball weight. The yarn is available in multiple colourways, including Clover 895 (shown in the photographed version) and Lawn 919 as an alternative option. The pattern specifies eight balls of yarn for the smallest sizes and increases to fourteen balls for the largest size.

Two pairs of needles are required: 4mm (US 6) needles and 5mm (US 8) needles. Additionally, a 4mm (US 6) circular needle measuring at least 120 cm in length is needed, likely for finishing details such as button bands or neckline edges. The pattern requires three wooden buttons measuring 2.4 cm each for the front closure.

Tension and Fit

The pattern is worked to a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the pattern stitch using 5mm (US 8) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished bust measurements, which range from 102 cm to 184 cm depending on size selection. The cardigan is designed with a rolled stockinette edge at the lower hem, created by allowing the first few rows to naturally roll to the right side.