Rowan Pepper Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Pepper Cardigan by Georgia Farrell

What is Being Made

The Rowan Pepper is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Georgia Farrell. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted cardigan available in five size options, with finished bust measurements ranging from 114 cm (45 in) to 154 cm (60¾ in). The cardigan features a structured construction with separate back and front panels, including detailed shoulder shaping for a tailored fit.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The cardigan construction begins with garter stitch edging to create a stable, textured border. The main body is worked using chart-based patterning, requiring careful attention to stitch placement and pattern repeats. The pattern includes decreasing and increasing techniques that must be matched throughout the design—the pattern notes emphasize ensuring each decrease is paired with a corresponding increase to maintain proper stitch counts. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs worked over multiple rows to create a gradual slope. The pattern also incorporates stitch stitch (stockinette stitch) for edge stitches where there are insufficient stitches to complete the full pattern repeat.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: Used for the initial 11-row borders on the back and front panels to create a textured, stable edge
• Purl stitch: Worked on specific rows to transition between garter stitch and patterned sections
• Stockinette stitch: Applied to beginning and ending stitches of rows when there are insufficient stitches to complete the full pattern repeat
• Chart-based pattern stitches: The main design is worked from a detailed chart with multiple repeating sections (rows 1–12 repeated three times, rows 13–18, rows 19–30 repeated twice, rows 31–36, and continuous rows 37–48)
• Decreasing and increasing: Paired decreases and increases throughout the patterned sections to maintain stitch integrity while creating the cardigan's design

Materials

The Rowan Pepper cardigan is worked in Summerlite 4 ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight suitable for creating a refined, drape-friendly garment. The yarn quantity required varies by size: 6 x 50g balls for the two smallest sizes (to fit bust 81–86 cm and 91–97 cm), 7 x 50g balls for the two medium sizes (to fit bust 102–107 cm and 112–117 cm), and 8 x 50g balls for the largest size (to fit bust 122–127 cm). The pattern is photographed in two colorways: Pepperpot 431 and Ecru 436.

Construction requires 3mm (US 2/3) needles in two formats: one pair of straight needles for working the flat panels (back and fronts) and one 3mm circular needle measuring at least 100 cm long, likely for finishing and neckband work. The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over the patterned stitch using 3mm needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.

Pattern Structure

The cardigan is constructed in three main pieces: a back panel and two front panels. Each section begins with garter stitch edging, transitions into the charted pattern, and concludes with shoulder shaping worked as a series of cast-offs. The pattern provides clear instructions for matching the front panels to the back piece in terms of length before shaping begins, ensuring a balanced, professional-looking garment. The inclusion of a stitch holder at the back neck indicates provisions for neckband finishing.