Kelly In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Kelly Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle

What Is Being Made

The Kelly is a sophisticated cardigan design by Lisa Richardson, crafted in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle yarn. This advanced beginner knitting project is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with actual finished chest measurements from 109 cm to 192.5 cm. The cardigan features a classic construction with a back panel, left and right fronts, and integrated pocket linings, finished with five mother-of-pearl buttons for closure.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked in a two-by-two rib pattern, which provides elasticity and a professional finish at the lower edge. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, a foundational knitting technique that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates pocket construction with separate pocket linings, requiring the knitter to work linings independently and then integrate them into the main body by slipping stitches onto holders and working across the lining stitches in their place. The cardigan also includes shoulder shaping and front slope shaping, which require strategic decreasing to create the garment's fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the main body of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth fabric texture
• Two-by-Two Ribbing (K2, P2): Used for the initial edging, this reversible pattern creates vertical columns that provide stretch and recovery
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases are worked to shape the front slope and shoulders, allowing the cardigan to fit the body contours
• Stitch Holders: Used to temporarily hold stitches during pocket construction and for managing live stitches during garment assembly

Materials

The Kelly cardigan is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Sparkle yarn, available in multiple colorways including Ballet Slipper (shade 10022 shown in the pattern photograph). Alpaca Sparkle is a 50-gram ball weight yarn that combines the softness and warmth of alpaca fiber with subtle sparkle for added visual interest. The pattern requires between 7 and 13 balls depending on the finished size selected.

Needles required include one pair of 6mm (US 10) needles for the main garment pieces and one 6mm (US 10) circular needle measuring at least 120 cm long, likely for finishing techniques such as picking up stitches for button bands or neckline edging. The tension is established at 13 stitches and 20 rows per 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using the 6mm needles, making accurate gauge measurement essential for proper fit.

The cardigan is completed with five TGB4677 grey mother-of-pearl buttons measuring 23mm from Textile Place, providing a refined closure that complements the sparkle in the yarn.