Rowan 13 Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan 13 Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Rowan 13 Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Annika Andrea Wolke. This garment is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches), with actual finished bust measurements from 121.5 cm to 161.5 cm (47¾ to 63½ inches). The cardigan features a front opening with button bands and is constructed as a structured, fitted piece suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Rowan 13 Cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and individual pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping at the armholes and neckline, with decreases worked at specific edges to create a tailored fit. The pattern includes separate shaping instructions for each side of the neck, which are worked independently and then seamed.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K1, P1): Used for the lower edge and front opening band, creating an elastic, textured border. The ribbed section at the front opening edge is maintained throughout the body of the garment.
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side.
• Decreases: Single decreases are worked at armhole edges and neck edges to shape the garment and create a fitted silhouette.
• Cast-off stitches: Used to bind off stitches at the armhole and neck shaping points, as well as to finish the garment edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan 13 Cardigan is knitted using a combination of two premium Rowan yarns held together as a single strand throughout the project. Yarn A is Rowan Alpaca Soft DK in the colorway Rainy Day, with quantities ranging from 10 to 13 x 50gm balls depending on size. Yarn B is Rowan Alpaca Classic in the colorway Feather Grey Melange, with quantities ranging from 10 to 14 x 25gm balls depending on size. Both yarns are held together to create a blended color effect and a specific fabric weight and drape.

The pattern is worked using two pairs of needles: 5mm (US 8) needles for the ribbed sections, and 6mm (US 10) needles for the main stockinette stitch sections. The tension is set at 16 stitches and 22½ rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 6mm needles with both yarns held together. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the cardigan to fit properly across all five size options.

Pattern Details and Construction Notes

The Rowan 13 Cardigan is rated as Skill Level 2, indicating it is suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The pattern requires working multiple pieces separately—left front, right front, back, and sleeves—which are then seamed together. The front opening features ribbed bands that are maintained as the garment is worked, providing a neat, finished edge. Armhole shaping is achieved through casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and working decreases at the armhole edges. Neck shaping involves casting off a group of stitches and then working decreases over several rows on each side of the neck separately before seaming.