Rowan Cowl Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Cowl Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Cowl Cardigan is a knitted cardigan garment designed by Lisa Richardson. This pattern is available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large, with finished bust measurements from 110 cm (43¼ inches) to 150 cm (59 inches). The cardigan features a cowl neckline and is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, making it an accessible project for intermediate knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting construction techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and fitting as you work.
• Worked flat: The main body pieces are worked flat on straight needles, creating individual front and back panels that are later seamed together.
• Worked in the round: A circular needle is used for certain sections, specifically for the cowl neckline area, enabling seamless construction in that region.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces are joined together using seaming techniques, creating clean, professional-looking seams along the sides and raglan armholes.
• Raglan armhole shaping: The cardigan features raglan-style armholes with graduated decreases that create a sloped shoulder line.
• Front neck shaping: Decreases at the neck edge are worked simultaneously with raglan shaping to create the cardigan's front opening and neckline.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Cowl Cardigan incorporates fundamental knitting stitches that create texture and structure:

• Ribbing: The pattern begins with knit-purl ribbing (alternating K1, P1) to create elastic edges that provide shape and recovery at the lower edges.
• Double moss stitch: This is the primary stitch pattern used throughout the cardigan body. Double moss stitch is created by working alternating rows of knit-purl combinations (rows 1-2: *P1, K1*, rows 3-4: *K1, P1*), producing a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and visual interest.
• Garter stitch: Referenced in the tension guidelines, garter stitch may be used in specific areas for contrast or structural definition.
• Decreases: The pattern uses knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases for shaping the raglan armholes and front neckline.
• Cast-off: Stitches are cast off to finish edges and complete the garment.

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan Cowl Cardigan requires the following materials and tools:

• Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic yarn in the photographed colorway Pumice 888. The pattern requires 13 to 15 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on size selected. More yarn information is available on knitrowan.com.
• Needles: One pair of 4½mm (US size 7) straight needles for working the flat pieces, and one 4½mm (US size 7) circular needle no longer than 90 cm for working the neckline in the round.
• Tension: The pattern specifies two different tension measurements: 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters in double moss stitch, and 20 stitches and 38 rows over 10 centimeters in garter stitch, both measured using 4½mm (US 7) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper garment fit.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

This cardigan is rated as Skill Level 2, indicating it is suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The pattern demonstrates intermediate techniques including raglan shaping, simultaneous decreases at multiple edges, and neckline construction. The pattern reference number is RM001-00007-CowlCardigan-UK, and it is published by MEZ Crafts UK Ltd. as of 2019. The downloadable PDF format allows knitters to access detailed instructions, schematic diagrams, and row-by-row guidance for completing this elegant cardigan.