Rowan Smitten Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Smitten Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Smitten is a fitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 in) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 in). The finished garment features an actual bust measurement range of 93.5 cm to 133.5 cm (36¾ to 52½ inches), making it suitable for a range of body types. This is a sophisticated knitwear piece crafted from luxurious pure cashmere yarn.

Techniques Used

The Smitten cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create a polished, professional finish:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and a natural drape
• Flat knitting: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters comfortable with traditional needle work
• Cable patterns: Decorative cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, creating clean, defined garment edges and professional construction
• Shaping techniques: The cardigan features complex shaping including front slope decreases, armhole shaping, and neckline decreases worked while maintaining pattern integrity

Stitches and Pattern Details

The design incorporates an 8-row repeating pattern that is worked from a chart, allowing knitters to follow the cable and stitch pattern visually. The pattern requires careful attention to maintaining stitch placement while executing increases and decreases at various points throughout the garment. Shaping is worked while keeping the pattern correct, demonstrating intermediate to advanced pattern-reading skills. The neckline shaping involves working each side separately with coordinated decreases and cast-offs to create a neat, finished edge.

Materials Required

This cardigan is knitted in Rowan Pure Cashmere yarn (photographed in the colorway Potash 099), with yardage requirements ranging from 9 x 50g balls for the smallest size to 12 x 50g balls for the largest size. The project requires two pairs of needles: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed edgings and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main pattern work. Three 21mm buttons (BN1556 from Bedecked) are required for the cardigan closure. The recommended tension is 27 stitches and 35 rows to 10 cm measured over pattern using the 3¾mm needles, ensuring proper garment fit and drape.

Design Notes

The Smitten cardigan demonstrates intermediate to advanced knitting skills, with particular attention required for maintaining cable patterns while executing garment shaping. The pattern includes detailed instructions for front slope shaping, armhole decreases, and neckline construction, all worked while keeping the stitch pattern correct. This is a project suitable for experienced knitters seeking a refined, luxury cashmere cardigan with sophisticated cable detailing.