Rowan Loose Fit Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Loose Fit Cardigan

Project Overview

The Rowan Loose Fit Cardigan is a knitted garment designed by Georgia Farrell, offering a relaxed silhouette suitable for multiple sizes. This downloadable PDF pattern provides comprehensive instructions for creating a sophisticated cardigan with lace detailing, available in five size options ranging from small to extra-extra-large to fit bust measurements from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches).

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete cardigan featuring a button-front closure with a loose, comfortable fit. The garment consists of a left front panel, right front panel, back panel, and two sleeves. The design includes a neck band that extends halfway across the back neck, providing a refined finishing detail. The actual bust measurements range from 96 cm (37¾ inches) in size small to 137 cm (54 inches) in size extra-extra-large, making it suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the hem upward, beginning with cast-on stitches at the lower edge of each panel
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted on straight needles in rows rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and seaming
• Seamed assembly: Individual panels are completed separately and then sewn together to form the finished garment
• Lace patterning: Decorative lace elements are incorporated throughout the cardigan using yarn-forward and purl two-together decreases
• Armhole shaping: The pattern includes cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows and decreases worked at the edges to create fitted armholes
• Shoulder shaping: Structured shoulders are formed through strategic cast-off rows, with a neck band worked from remaining stitches
• Sleeve cap shaping: Sleeves feature increases at each end to create proper sleeve cap ease

Stitches Used

The Rowan Loose Fit Cardigan employs a repeating lace stitch pattern as its primary decorative element. The main stitch pattern is established over two rows and repeated throughout the garment:

• Knit stitch (K): The foundational stitch used in combination with the lace pattern
• Purl stitch (P): Used to create texture and definition within the lace pattern
• Yarn forward (yfrn): An increase technique that creates the openwork characteristic of lace patterns
• Purl two together (P2tog): A decrease stitch that pairs with yarn-forward increases to maintain stitch count while creating the lace openings
• Pattern decreases: Additional decreases such as patt2tog are used during armhole shaping to maintain pattern consistency while reducing stitches

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Cotton Cashmere yarn in a total of 11, 11, 13, 14, or 14 x 50-gram balls depending on the size selected. The photographed version features the colorway Morning Sky 221, demonstrating how the lace pattern and yarn blend create an elegant finished appearance.

Needles: One pair of 4mm (US size 6) straight needles is required for all pattern pieces. These needles are essential for achieving the correct gauge and working the lace pattern with precision.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the lace pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving this gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as designed.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Skill Level 2, indicating it is suitable for knitters with some experience. The combination of lace pattern work, multiple shaping techniques, and seamed construction requires familiarity with intermediate knitting concepts, making it accessible to those who have completed basic projects and are ready to develop their skills further.