Rowan Maude Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Maude Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Maude is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This downloadable PDF pattern is available in nine size options, ranging from bust measurements of 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) through to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 84 cm to 164 cm depending on the selected size.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Maude cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual and structural interest to the finished garment. The pattern incorporates marker placement for tracking stitch sections during construction, which is essential for maintaining pattern alignment across the body. The design features raglan armhole shaping, a classic tailoring technique that creates diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline, allowing for improved fit and ease of movement.

The pattern also includes casing construction, where stitches are held on a separate section and later joined using a knit-together technique. This creates a functional channel, likely for threading elastic or drawstring. Additionally, the pattern requires working with ladder stitches during the casting-off process over the ladder stitch sections, a technique that creates a neat, flexible edge suitable for raglan shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Maude cardigan is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates garter stitch edging (knit every row) for the front and cuff borders, providing a neat, non-curling finish. The casing section is worked using garter stitch throughout, which offers stability and elasticity for the drawstring or elastic channel.

The main body features a repeating patterned section that is maintained across the back and front pieces, with markers placed strategically to delineate different stitch zones. The pattern uses knit-together decreases to join the casing section to the main body while simultaneously shaping the garment.

Materials and Tools

The Maude cardigan is knitted using Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a wool-based yarn that provides both warmth and a subtle texture. The pattern requires 7 to 13 balls of 50-gram yarn (depending on size selected), with the photographed sample shown in the colorway Tawny 186.

The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper tension and structure:

• 3.25mm (US 3) needles – used for ribbed cuffs and edgings
• 4mm (US 6) needles – the primary needles for the main body, used to achieve the required tension of 21 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters in pattern
• 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle – at least 120 centimeters long, used for working the neckline and other sections requiring circular needle construction
• 4mm (US G6) crochet hook – used for finishing details such as edging or seaming

The specified tension of 21 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over pattern using 4mm needles, is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.