Rowan 02 Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan 02 Cardigan by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Rowan 02 Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey, available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large to fit bust measurements from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). This garment features an elegant lace pattern throughout and is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, making it an accessible project for intermediate knitters.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edges upward, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern management.
• Worked flat: All pieces are worked on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, making it ideal for seaming together later.
• Lace patterning: A repeating lace pattern forms the decorative fabric throughout the cardigan, with the pattern repeat established over 10 rows.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques.
• Shaping techniques: The pattern includes increases for sleeve extensions, decreases at the neck edge, and cast-offs for shoulder shaping to create a fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Rowan 02 Cardigan incorporates the following stitches:

• Fancy rib: A decorative ribbed stitch used for the lower edge and cuff sections. The pattern is established as P2, K1, *P3, K1, rep from * to last 2 sts, P2, creating a textured foundation.
• Lace pattern: A repeating 10-row lace motif that forms the main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves, adding visual interest and a lighter drape to the finished garment.
• Stockinette stitch elements: Used in shaping areas and transitions between pattern sections.

Materials and Needles

The Rowan 02 Cardigan is worked in Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber. The pattern calls for 8–11 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on size (the photographed sample uses Cement 890). Two pairs of needles are required: 4mm (US 6) needles for the ribbed edgings and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main lace pattern. The recommended tension is 18 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the lace pattern using 5mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Construction Overview

The back piece is cast on using 4mm needles and worked in fancy rib before switching to 5mm needles for the lace pattern. Sleeve extensions are shaped by increasing stitches at regular intervals, and armhole openings are marked with stitch markers. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through a series of cast-offs, and the back neck is shaped with decreases and a center cast-off. The left and right fronts follow similar construction methods with appropriate shaping for the front edges. This skill level 2 project is suitable for knitters with basic experience who are ready to tackle lace patterns and garment shaping.