Rowan Oversized Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Oversized Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Rowan Oversized Cardigan is a knitted cardigan pattern designed to create a relaxed, oversized fit. Available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large (to fit bust measurements from 81–127 cm), this garment features a contemporary silhouette with generous ease. The cardigan is worked as separate pieces that are seamed together, creating a structured yet comfortable layering piece suitable for various styling occasions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its design:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the cast-on edge upward, allowing knitters to try on and adjust length as needed before completing the garment.
• Flat knitting: All pieces—back, left front, right front, and sleeves—are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters comfortable with traditional flat construction.
• Lace detailing: The pattern incorporates lace elements created through yarn-forward and knit-two-together decreases, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces are seamed together at completion, providing clean, professional finishing and structural integrity.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Oversized Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the body, creating a smooth, classic fabric base.
• Garter stitch: Used for ribbed edgings and structural elements, providing elasticity and definition at cuffs and openings.
• Lace pattern: Formed through yarn-forward (yfwd) and knit-two-together (K2tog) sequences worked in repeating rows, creating openwork sections that add elegance and visual movement to the design.
• Knit and purl combinations: Used strategically in ribbing (K1, P1) to create textured edges that frame the cardigan opening.

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan Oversized Cardigan pattern specifies the following materials and tools:

• Yarn: Cotton Cashmere yarn in a weight requiring 14½ stitches and 25 rows to measure 10 cm over pattern. The pattern requires 210 grams total (six 50-gram balls) of yarn. The photographed sample is worked in the colorway Paper.
• Needles: One pair of 6mm (US 10) straight needles for working flat pieces, plus 6mm (US 10) circular needles at least 150 cm long for neckband and finishing.
• Additional notions: Stitch holders for securing stitches during construction and stitch markers for denoting key shaping points such as armholes and shoulder placement.

Pattern Details and Shaping

The pattern includes precise shaping for a professional finish. The back piece measures 80–84 cm from cast-on edge depending on size, with shoulder shaping achieved through casting off 28–42 stitches at the beginning of successive rows. Armhole placement is marked 18–22 cm from the shoulder cast-off point. Front pieces mirror the back depth and include lace patterning worked over multiple rows, with the lace section repeated nine times to create consistent texture. Sleeves are cast on with 52 stitches and shaped to fit the marked armholes. The skill level is rated as 2, making this pattern suitable for knitters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and shaping techniques.

Sizing Information

The Rowan Oversized Cardigan is offered in five sizes with the following specifications:

• Small (S): To fit bust 81–86 cm; actual bust measurement 110 cm
• Medium (M): To fit bust 91–97 cm; actual bust measurement 121 cm
• Large (L): To fit bust 102–107 cm; actual bust measurement 130 cm
• Extra-Large (XL): To fit bust 112–117 cm; actual bust measurement 141 cm
• Extra-Extra-Large (XXL): To fit bust 122–127 cm; actual bust