Rowan Agatha Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Rowan Agatha Crochet Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Rowan Agatha is a crochet cardigan designed by Emma Wright, available in nine different sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76cm (28-30in) up to 132-137cm (52-54in). This intermediate-level project creates a classic cardigan silhouette with structured fronts and coordinating sleeves, suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The cardigan employs a multi-stitch construction approach that combines different crochet techniques to create visual interest and varied texture throughout the garment. The lower body sections are worked in a foundational double crochet stitch, establishing the basic structure and drape of the piece. The design then transitions into a more decorative V-puff stitch pattern for the middle section, creating an elegant textured band approximately 12cm in depth. The upper body returns to double crochet stitch, providing a clean finish near the neckline and shoulders.

The construction method involves making two identical front pieces and separate sleeves, which are then assembled into the finished cardigan. Each front piece is built from a foundation chain, worked in rows, with increases strategically placed in the sleeve sections to create proper shaping and fit. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as back loop only (BLO) stitching, which creates subtle textural changes and helps define different sections of the garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in this pattern include:

• Double crochet (dc) – the foundational stitch used for the majority of the cardigan, worked in continuous rows to create a stable, fabric-like texture
• V-puff stitch – a decorative stitch variation that adds dimensional texture and visual interest to the middle section of the cardigan; worked with yarn overs and multiple loops drawn up within single stitches
• Back loop only (BLO) stitches – a technique variation where the hook inserts only into the back loop of stitches, creating a ridged effect and helping to define transitions between stitch sections
• Increase stitches – worked as double stitches in the same stitch, strategically placed to shape the sleeve sections and ensure proper fit

Materials and Tools

This project uses Rowan's Alpaca Soft DK yarn, a lightweight double-knitting weight yarn available in multiple colors, with the photographed sample shown in Off White 221. The yarn comes in 50-gram skeins, allowing crafters to calculate yardage requirements based on their chosen size.

The pattern requires a 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook throughout the entire project, maintaining consistent tension and stitch definition. The recommended tension is 20 double crochet stitches by 22 double crochet rows to 10cm (4 inches) when using the specified hook and yarn combination. For the V-puff stitch sections, the tension is 5.75 V-puff repeats by 12 V-puff rows to 10cm (4 inches), providing guidance for achieving proper drape and fit in the textured areas.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The Rowan Agatha cardigan is designed with nine graduated sizes, each with specific stitch counts and measurements. The garment lengths vary from approximately 42-147cm (16½-58in) in actual bust measurement, accommodating a wide range of body types. Each size includes detailed instructions for foundation chains, stitch counts, and row measurements, ensuring accurate fit regardless of which size is selected.