Namib Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Namib Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Namib Cardigan is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm chest measurements, with corresponding actual garment chest measurements from 139 cm to 219 cm. The cardigan features sleeve extensions with armhole openings and a shaped back neck, making it a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced project employs several key knitting techniques throughout its construction. The pattern incorporates increases at regular intervals to shape the sleeve extensions, with stitches increased at each end on specific rows to create the desired silhouette. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs worked over multiple rows in varying quantities depending on the size being knitted. The pattern also includes back neck shaping, which requires working each side of the neck separately after casting off stitches at the center back. The garment is worked primarily in rows on straight needles, though a note indicates that larger sizes (142-147 cm and 152-157 cm) may benefit from using circular needles worked backwards and forwards in rows for easier handling of the increased stitch count.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Namib Cardigan is constructed using a 24-row repeating stitch pattern that forms the primary texture of the garment. This pattern alternates between knit and purl rows in a structured sequence: rows 14 and 15 are repeated twice (rows 16-19), followed by a knit row (row 20), two purl rows (rows 21-22), a knit row (row 23), and a purl row (row 24). This creates a textured fabric with visual interest. Increases for the sleeve extensions are worked into the pattern, meaning new stitches are incorporated while maintaining the established stitch pattern throughout. The pattern requires careful attention to tension and stitch consistency, as the advanced skill level demands precision in executing the repeating pattern sequence across the back piece and subsequent sections.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Namib Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The yarn quantity required varies by size, ranging from 11 balls for the smallest size (71-76 cm) to 22 balls for the largest size (152-157 cm). The pattern shown was photographed in the colorway Blushes 480. Knitting is worked on two pairs of needles: 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles for ribbing or edgings, and 3¾mm (UK size 9 / US size 5) needles for the main fabric. The pattern tension is established at 21 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the stitch pattern using the 3¾mm needles. The finished cardigan is completed with three grey shank buttons measuring 15mm (TGB3020 from Textile Garden), which provide both functional closure and decorative detail to this elegant garment.