Rowan Reef Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Reef Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Reef is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, with nine size options available. The finished garment features actual bust measurements from 106 cm to 188 cm, providing a range of fits from close-fitting to generously proportioned styles.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern incorporates armhole shaping through strategic decreases, shoulder shaping using cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows, and back neck shaping with a center back neck opening. The construction involves working straight sections followed by targeted decreases, and working each side of the neck separately to create a finished neckline. The pattern maintains stitch pattern consistency throughout all shaping sections, requiring the knitter to keep patterning correct while executing decreases and cast-offs.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rowan Reef is worked primarily in pattern stitch, which is maintained consistently throughout the garment including during all shaping sections. The pattern utilizes knit stitches and knit two together (K2tog) decreases for shaping purposes. The tension requirement is 14.5 stitches by 22 rows to 10 cm over pattern stitch, which should be achieved using the larger needles specified in the pattern.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Rowan Reef is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in 50-gram balls. The photographed version is shown in the colorway Briar 281. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 balls for the smallest sizes up to 11 balls for the largest size.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes: 5mm (US 8) needles and 6mm (US 10) needles. Additionally, a 5mm (US 8) long circular needle is needed, likely for working ribbing or neckline finishing. The pattern also calls for stitch holders to hold stitches during neck shaping and construction.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on using the smaller 5mm needles and increases in stitch count across the nine sizes from 78 stitches to 138 stitches. The cardigan features a traditional set-in armhole construction with multiple rows of decreases to shape the armholes gradually. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through cast-offs of varying stitch counts depending on the size being made, with some sizes requiring 6-stitch cast-offs and others requiring 5, 7, or 8-stitch cast-offs. The back neck features a center opening with approximately 20-22 stitches held for the center back neck, with each shoulder worked separately to completion.