Rosewood Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rosewood Cardigan in Berroco Lanas

What is Being Made

The Rosewood Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Alison Green. This garment is constructed as a seamless, one-piece design that offers a classic, wearable silhouette. The cardigan features a button-front closure with six 1-inch buttons and is available in eight different sizes, ranging from 36½ inches to 72½ inches in finished bust measurement. The finished length varies from approximately 21 inches to 25 inches depending on size, making this a versatile piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction Technique

The Rosewood Cardigan employs an efficient one-piece construction method that minimizes seaming. The body is worked flat in rows from the cast-on edge up to the underarms, where it is then divided to create separate sections for the back and fronts. These sections continue upward in rows to the shoulder seams. The sleeves are worked in the round from the cuff to the underarm using circular needles, after which the sleeve caps are completed in rows. This hybrid approach combines the speed and consistency of circular knitting with the shaping flexibility of flat knitting, resulting in a well-fitted garment with minimal finishing work required.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rosewood Cardigan features a combination of fundamental knitting stitches. The lower body begins with a ribbed cuff pattern worked in a 2x1 rib, alternating knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns that provide stretch and recovery. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, which produces a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture. The pattern also incorporates a charted stitch pattern that appears in the design; two pattern repeats of this charted stitch measure 5¼ inches across when worked with the larger needles. This combination of ribbing, stockinette, and charted stitch work creates visual interest while maintaining an intermediate skill level that is accessible to knitters with basic competency.

Yarn and Materials

The Rosewood Cardigan is designed specifically for Berroco Lanas, a yarn that offers excellent drape and warmth. Berroco Lanas is supplied in 100-gram balls, and the pattern calls for between four and eight balls depending on the finished size selected. The colorway shown in the pattern is #95130 Driftwood, a neutral shade that complements the cardigan's classic design. The pattern requires two pairs of circular needles—one in size 6 (4 mm) and one in size 8 (5 mm)—as well as one set each of double-pointed needles in the same sizes for working the sleeves in the round. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and six 1-inch buttons for the front closure. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles after blocking, ensuring that knitters can achieve proper fit and fabric drape.

Sizing and Fit

The Rosewood Cardigan offers generous sizing options with finished bust measurements of 36½, 40½, 44½, 48½, 52½, 56½, 60½, 64½, 68½, and 72½ inches. The pattern recommends 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished garment should measure 2 to 4 inches larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for comfortable wear. This ease allowance accommodates layering and provides a relaxed, modern fit that is neither too tight nor overly loose.