Rowan Sky Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Sky Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

Garment Overview

The Rowan Sky is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, available in nine size options to fit bust measurements from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 82.5 cm (32½ inches) to 165 cm (65 inches), offering a comfortable fit across a wide range of body types.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using fairisle knitting, a colorwork technique that creates intricate patterned designs by working with multiple yarn colors within rows. The pattern instructions specify the fairisle technique as a core construction method, requiring careful attention to color changes and stitch placement. The garment also incorporates set-in pockets, with separate pocket linings that are knitted first and then integrated into the front pieces during assembly.

The cardigan features garter stitch edging at the lower body and front opening, creating a textured, reversible border. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch combined with fairisle colorwork, providing structure and drape. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases, including M1 (make one) increases for widening sections and K2tog and P2tog decreases for fitted areas such as the neckline and armholes.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Garter stitch (g st): Used for the initial border rows and front edging, created by knitting every row
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Forms the base fabric for pocket linings and main body sections
• Fairisle patterning: Multi-color colorwork technique worked across the main body
• Increases: M1 (make one) increases distributed evenly across rows for shaping
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) and P2tog (purl two together) for fitted shaping; slip stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) for refined edge decreases
• Purl decreases: P2tog tbl (through back loop) for reverse-side shaping

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Sky cardigan is knitted using Rowan Tweed Haze yarn, a premium wool blend. The colorway combination consists of:

• Yarn A (Sunset 557): The primary color, with yardage requirements ranging from 5 to 8 x 50-gram balls depending on size
• Yarn B (Winter 550): The contrast color for fairisle work, requiring 3 to 5 x 50-gram balls by size

Knitting needles required include 5½mm (US 9) straight needles for ribbed and garter stitch sections, 6mm (US 10) straight needles for the main fairisle body, and a 5½mm (US 9) circular needle measuring at least 120 cm long for finishing edges and button bands. The pattern specifies a tension of 16 stitches and 18 rows to 10 centimeters measured over fairisle pattern using 6mm needles, which is essential for achieving proper fit.

The cardigan is finished with three faux leather shank buttons measuring 2.5 centimeters, providing a contemporary closure system that complements the modern design aesthetic.