Rowan Calico Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Calico Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Calico is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey, available in multiple sizes ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm bust measurements. This garment is suitable for intermediate-level knitters and features a classic cardigan construction with button front closure, making it a versatile layering piece for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction involves casting on and casting off stitches to shape the garment pieces. Decreasing techniques such as K2tog (knit two together) are used extensively to create shaping at the armholes, neckline, and shoulder areas. The pattern incorporates stitch holders to manage stitches temporarily while working different sections, allowing the knitter to return to held stitches for features like the centre back neck and front neck shaping. Pattern stitch work is maintained throughout the garment, requiring the knitter to keep pattern continuity while simultaneously executing shaping decreases.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cardigan is worked primarily in pattern stitch (abbreviated as patt st in the instructions), with tension established at 13 stitches by 21 rows over 10 cm using the larger needles. The pattern includes knit and purl combinations that create the textured fabric characteristic of the Calico design. Decreasing is accomplished using the K2tog (knit two together) technique, which creates a visible right-leaning decrease commonly used in garment shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Calico is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in 50-gram balls. The photographed sample is worked in the colorway Crag 253. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 7 balls for the smallest size to 11 balls for the largest size.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric characteristics. 5mm (US 8) needles are used for initial cast-on and certain ribbed sections, while 6mm (US 10) needles are the primary needles for working the main body in pattern stitch. A 5mm (US 8) long circular needle is also specified, likely for working certain sections or managing larger stitch counts.

Additional Materials and Notions

• Buttons: Four buttons are required for the front cardigan closure
• Stitch holders: Multiple stitch holders are needed to hold stitches for the back neck, front neck shaping, and other sections during construction

Garment Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed using a traditional method with separate back and front pieces. The back piece is cast on using the 5mm needles and worked to length before armhole shaping begins. Armhole shaping involves multiple rows of casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, with the number of stitches cast off varying by size. Neck shaping is executed by placing centre back neck stitches on a holder and working each shoulder separately with progressive decreases. The front pieces follow similar construction principles with additional shaping for the front neck opening and button bands.