Plateau Plain Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Plateau Plain Cardigan in Rowan Pebble Island

What is Being Made

The Plateau Plain Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Erika Knight. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from a chest circumference of 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, making it suitable for a wide range of body sizes. The cardigan features a classic construction with a back panel, front panels, and sleeves, and is fastened with seven bronze buttons measuring 1.8 cm each.

Available Versions

This pattern offers two distinct design options:

• Striped Version: Features horizontal color stripes created through the strategic use of multiple yarn colors throughout the garment
• Solid Version: A plain, single-color interpretation photographed in Rockhopper 027

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Plateau Plain Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff created using a two-by-two rib pattern, which provides elasticity and a finished edge. The ribbed section is worked over 14 rows with strategic increases or decreases depending on the size being knitted, ensuring proper fit at the waistline.

Following the ribbed cuff, the main body transitions to stockinette stitch, the foundational fabric used throughout the majority of the cardigan. The striped version incorporates color changes at regular intervals, with different yarn colors introduced on specific rows to create horizontal bands of color. The solid version maintains a single color throughout the stockinette sections.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches employed in this cardigan are:

• Two-by-Two Ribbing (2x2 Rib): Used for the cuff and lower edge, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a pattern of two knits followed by two purls. This stitch provides stretch and recovery, essential for a well-fitting cardigan edge.
• Stockinette Stitch (Garter Stitch variation): The main fabric of the garment, created by alternating rows of knit stitches on the right side with purl stitches on the wrong side, producing a smooth, flat surface.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Plateau Plain Cardigan is designed to be worked with Rowan Pebble Island yarn, a premium fiber from the Rowan brand. The pattern specifies multiple yarn colors for the striped version:

• Yarn A - Kelp 028: Primary color used throughout the design
• Yarn B - Macaroni 029: Used in the initial ribbed cuff section
• Yarn C - Desire 021: Accent color introduced in the middle sections
• Yarn D - Tussac 023: Secondary accent color
• Yarn E - Diddle Dee 026: Additional color stripe
• Yarn F - Rockhopper 027: Final accent color; also the color used for the solid version

Each color is supplied in 50-gram balls. The quantity of yarn required varies by size, ranging from 2 balls for the smallest sizes up to 14 balls for the largest size in the striped version, and 7 to 14 balls for the solid version depending on the size selected.

Two sizes of needles are required:

• Size 4 (3.5mm) needles: Used exclusively for the ribbed cuff in the striped version, allowing for tighter gauge control in the elastic edge
• Size 4½ (3.25mm) needles: Used for the main body of the cardigan in both versions

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the cardigan is sized according to specific chest circumference measurements. The garment circumferences range from 81 cm for the smallest size to 163 cm for the largest size.

Pattern Characteristics

The Plateau Plain Cardigan is classified as an intermediate-level project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with multiple colors