Leora Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Leora Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Leora Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is available in nine sizes ranging from 28–30 inches to 60–62 inches in actual bust measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a structured shaping with distinct armholes, shoulders, and a front band, creating a polished, wearable piece.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction includes casting on and casting off at strategic points to shape the garment. Decreasing stitches is used extensively to create armhole shaping, shoulder definition, and neckline shaping. The pattern requires working multiple sections separately, particularly when shaping the back neck and shoulders, which involves slipping stitches onto holders and rejoining yarn. Reversing shapings is necessary when completing matching sides of the garment, such as the left and right fronts. The cardigan also incorporates a front band worked from held stitches, adding a finished edge detail.

Stitches Used

The Leora Cardigan features a fancy rib stitch as a foundational stitch pattern. This textured stitch is worked over the initial 45 rows of the left front section and is also used on the back, creating visual interest and elasticity. Beyond the fancy rib, the pattern employs stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) for the main body sections, which provides a smooth, classic fabric suitable for a cardigan silhouette.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Leora Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Kid Classic, a yarn available in 50-gram balls. The pattern offers flexibility with two colorway options. The primary colorway includes Pumice (888), Smoke (831), and Tattoo (856), while an alternative colorway features Pumice (888), Navy (917), and Arctic (921). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 balls for smaller sizes to 8 balls for the largest size.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to accommodate the gauge changes typical of ribbed and stockinette sections. Crafters will need 4mm (US 6) needles for the ribbed sections and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main body. Additionally, a 4mm (US 6) circular needle measuring at least 120 centimeters long is required, likely for picking up stitches along the front band and neckline to create a finished edge.

Garment Structure and Shaping

The cardigan is constructed with careful attention to fit and proportion. Armhole shaping begins by casting off a set number of stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by gradual decreases worked at each end of rows over several rows and alternate rows. This creates a smooth, tailored armhole. The back features shoulder shaping through successive cast-offs, and the neckline is shaped with decreases at the neck edge while simultaneously casting off at the shoulder. The front band is created by holding center stitches and working them separately, ensuring a neat, professional finish at the front opening.