Rowan Block Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Block Cardigan by Georgia Farrell

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Block Cardigan is an advanced-level knitted cardigan featuring a sophisticated color-blocked design. This garment showcases multiple sizes ranging from 71–76 cm to 152–157 cm bust measurements, with actual finished bust measurements from 93.5 cm to 175 cm. The cardigan incorporates side split facings and is constructed using the intarsia technique to create its distinctive patterned blocks.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its complex construction:

• Intarsia technique: Used throughout the garment to create the color-blocked pattern sections, allowing for large areas of contrasting colors to be knitted seamlessly into the fabric.
• Cable work: Incorporated into the design, requiring a cable needle for manipulation of stitches.
• Slip stitch shaping: Decorative slip stitches are worked at regular intervals (using slip 1 purlwise with yarn to front) to create fold lines for the side split facings, with 7 stitches set at each end for these structural elements.
• Increase shaping: Progressive increases using PFB (purl front and back) are worked throughout the piece to achieve the desired silhouette.

Stitches Used

The cardigan is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic foundation for the intarsia color work. Specific stitch techniques include:

• Stockinette stitch (st st) as the main fabric ground
• Purl front and back (PFB) for increases
• Slip stitches purlwise with yarn to front (sl 1P wyaf) for decorative fold lines and facings
• Cable stitches manipulated with a cable needle for textural interest

Materials and Yarn

The Rowan Block Cardigan uses a sophisticated yarn combination to achieve its distinctive appearance and drape:

• Kidsilk Haze (25 gm balls): A luxurious laceweight yarn used in multiple colorways. Two strands of Kidsilk Haze are held together throughout the garment to create the proper fabric density. Colors include Aura 676 (5–9 balls depending on size), Pearl 590 (3–5 balls), Steel 664 (5–8 balls), Anthracite 639 (2–3 balls), Hurricane 632 (1–2 balls), Gem 692 (1–2 balls), and Majestic 589 (1–2 balls).
• Felted Tweed (50 gm balls): Used in small amounts for embroidery embellishment in specific shades including Vaseline Green 204, Bottle Green 207, and Rose Quartz 206.
• Needles: 4 mm (US 6) needles are used for the main knitting, along with a cable needle for cable work.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern is worked to a tension of 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm, measured over stockinette stitch using 4 mm (US 6) needles with two strands of Kidsilk Haze held together. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all nine size options.

Construction Details

The cardigan features a structured approach to shaping, with increases worked at strategic points to build the garment from the lower edge upward. The side split facings are created through a combination of slip stitch placement and fold lines, with 7 stitches maintained at each end for these design elements. The pattern includes chart-based intarsia sections that are worked according to the provided schematic, allowing knitters to create the precise color blocking that defines this design.