Rowan Saxon Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Saxon Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Saxon is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 81-86 cm up to 132-137 cm, with corresponding finished garment chest measurements from 101 cm to 150 cm. This is a structured cardigan pattern that features a front opening edge, set-in armholes, and functional pocket linings, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Saxon cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern utilizes moss stitch for textured edging and front bands, which creates a classic, refined appearance. The main body is constructed in stockinette stitch, a fundamental technique that produces a smooth, professional finish. The pattern incorporates pocket placement with separate pocket linings that are knitted independently and then integrated into the front pieces, demonstrating intermediate construction skills. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs and decreases worked over multiple rows, creating a tailored fit. The cardigan also features a front opening edge that is maintained in moss stitch while adjacent stitches transition to stockinette stitch, requiring careful stitch management throughout the knitting process.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: A textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific pattern (K1, P1 repeat), used for the back ribbing, front bands, and front opening edges to provide structure and visual interest
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, created by alternating rows of knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at armhole edges to shape the garment and create a fitted silhouette
• Cast-offs: Used to bind off stitches at the beginning of armhole shaping sections

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Saxon cardigan is knitted using Rowan Denim Revive yarn, a durable and versatile fiber choice. The pattern requires between 17 and 26 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size being knitted, with the photographed sample shown in the colorway Darkness 217. Two pairs of needles are required: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed and moss stitch sections, and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 29 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Pattern Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces: a back, two front pieces, and two pocket linings. The back begins with a cast-on of 111 to 165 stitches depending on size, worked in moss stitch for 3.5 centimeters before transitioning to stockinette stitch. Pocket linings are created separately using 3¾mm needles with a cast-on of 37 to 41 stitches, worked in stockinette stitch for 50 to 54 rows. The left front is cast on with 57 to 83 stitches and includes a moss stitch band of 11 stitches maintained at the front opening edge throughout the piece. The pocket is integrated into the left front by slipping stitches onto a holder and knitting the prepared pocket lining in their place. Armhole shaping is accomplished by casting off 3 stitches at the beginning of a row, followed by single stitch decreases worked over 5 alternate rows, creating a gradual, professional-looking armhole curve.