Rowan Mimosa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Mimosa Cardigan by Erika Knight

What is Being Made

The Rowan Mimosa is a knitted cardigan designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 in) through 122-127 cm (48-50 in), with actual garment bust measurements from 102 cm to 142 cm (40 in to 56 in). This is a five-button cardigan featuring a structured construction with shaped shoulders and neckline shaping. The design is photographed in the Piglet colorway (shade 207).

Techniques Used

The Rowan Mimosa employs multiple construction techniques to create a professionally finished garment. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for seamed construction. The pattern uses bottom-up construction for the main body pieces, with the back and fronts knitted separately from the cast-on edge upward. Additionally, top-down shaping techniques are incorporated for the shoulder and neckline shaping, including wrap and turn short-row shaping to create smooth shoulder curves and proper garment fit. The fronts feature button bands, and the neckband is worked separately using a double needle technique for a finished edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Rowan Mimosa is rib patterning, which creates vertical lines and elasticity in the fabric. The ribbed construction contributes to the garment's structure and helps it maintain its shape. The pattern instructions reference specific rib sequences worked in repeating rows, with variations in placement depending on size. Decreasing techniques such as knit two together (K2tog) are used for shaping the neckline and shoulders, creating neat, finished edges at these crucial points.

Materials

The Rowan Mimosa is designed to be worked with yarn held double throughout, using a blend of Cotton Wool. The pattern requires 15 to 22 x 50gm balls depending on the size being knitted, with yardage varying across the five size options. Needles required include 5mm (US 8) needles for the ribbed cast-on and initial rows, and 5½mm (US 9) needles for the main fabric, with an additional 5½mm double-pointed needle reserved for casting off at the shoulders. The cardigan is completed with five grey buttons measuring 2.5cm with two holes, providing both functional and decorative closure.

Tension and Fit

The pattern is designed to be worked at a tension of 20 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm measured over the rib pattern using 5½mm needles and yarn held double. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the cardigan to fit properly across the range of five sizes offered.