Manor Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Manor Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Manor is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is suitable for a range of chest sizes from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), making it a versatile pattern for various body types. The cardigan features a classic construction with shaped front neck shaping and a structured fit achieved through strategic decreasing techniques.

Construction and Techniques

The Manor cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques that make it appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles to create elasticity and structure at the lower edge. After the initial ribbed section measures 10 centimeters, the knitter transitions to larger needles and switches to stockinette stitch for the main body.

Shaping and Decreasing: The front neck shaping is accomplished through strategic decreasing at the neck edge. Depending on the size being worked, decreases occur at varying intervals—either every 6th row, every 4th row, or every 8th row—creating a gradual and professional-looking neckline. The pattern specifies different decrease sequences for different sizes, demonstrating how intermediate knitters can manage complex shaping across multiple garment sizes.

Stripe Sequence: The Manor incorporates a color-work element through a stripe pattern worked over 78 rows using two colors from the Rowan Kid Classic yarn range. This adds visual interest while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters, as stripes require only simple yarn changes rather than complex colorwork techniques like intarsia or Fair Isle.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K2, P2): Used for the cuff and lower edge to provide elasticity and a finished appearance. This alternating knit and purl pattern creates vertical lines and helps the fabric hug the body.
• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The primary stitch for the main body of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This produces the smooth, classic fabric texture.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): Used to decrease stitches at the front neck edge, creating the shaped neckline. This left-leaning decrease is worked consistently to maintain even shaping.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Manor is designed to be worked in Rowan Kid Classic, a 50-gram ball weight yarn. Two colors are used: Feather (shade 828) for the main color and Iron (shade 892) as the contrast color for the stripe sequence. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 balls of Feather for the smallest size up to 12 balls for the largest sizes, with 1–3 balls of Iron required depending on size.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles—one pair of 4.5mm (US 7) needles for the ribbed sections and one pair of 5mm (US 8) needles for the main stockinette stitch body. Additionally, 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles at least 120 centimeters long are needed, likely for picking up stitches around the neckline or for working the front bands.

Tension: Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 19 stitches and 25 rows should measure 10 centimeters when worked in stockinette stitch using the 5mm (US 8) needles. Knitters should always swatch and measure tension before beginning the project to ensure their finished cardigan matches the intended dimensions.

Pattern Characteristics

The Manor cardigan demonstrates intermediate-level complexity through its combination of basic techniques applied with precision. The pattern provides detailed instructions for multiple sizes simultaneously, requiring knitters to track their specific size throughout. The front neck shaping involves multiple stages of decreasing at different intervals, which challenges knitters to manage shaping while maintaining pattern consistency. The introduction of stripe work adds color and visual dimension without requiring advanced colorwork skills, making this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their technical repertoire while maintaining accessibility.