Rowan Floss Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Floss Cardigan – Knitting Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Floss is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). This garment features a classic cardigan construction with front button closure, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Garment Specifications

• Available Sizes: Five sizes to fit bust measurements of 81–86 cm, 91–97 cm, 102–107 cm, 112–117 cm, and 122–127 cm
• Finished Bust Measurements: 159 cm, 168.5 cm, 179 cm, 188.5 cm, and 199 cm respectively
• Closure: Four buttons
• Skill Level: Intermediate (Skill Level 2)

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs short-row shaping extensively throughout the construction, as evidenced by the repeated "wrap next st and turn" instructions. This technique allows for custom shaping of the garment without increasing or decreasing stitches in traditional ways. The pattern also uses stocking stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, classic knit appearance. Slip stitches are used to transfer stitches onto holders for later working, a standard method for managing multiple sections during cardigan construction.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting stitches including knit (K) and purl (P) stitches worked in stocking stitch. The pattern incorporates wrapped stitches as part of the short-row shaping technique, which prevents holes from forming at the turning points. Stitches are strategically placed on holders—including sections for the left shoulder, front band, and right shoulder—allowing the knitter to work different sections of the cardigan in a logical sequence and join them seamlessly.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Floss cardigan uses two complementary yarns worked together as one:

• Yarn A – Summerlite 4 ply: 9–11 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on size (photographed in Pure White 417)
• Yarn B – Kidsilk Haze: 8–10 balls of 25-gram skeins depending on size (photographed in White 612)

One strand of each yarn is held together throughout the pattern, creating a blended fabric with the structure of the 4-ply yarn combined with the delicate, shimmering qualities of the Kidsilk Haze.

Needles and Notions

• Straight Needles: One pair of 3½mm (US 4) needles for initial cast-on and flat sections
• Circular Needles: 3½mm (US 4) circular needle at least 120 cm long for working larger sections
• Circular Needles: 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle at least 120 cm long for finishing edges and ribbing
• Notions: Four buttons for the front closure

Tension and Gauge

The pattern requires a tension of 26 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 3½mm (US 4) needles with one strand each of Summerlite 4 ply and Kidsilk Haze held together. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished garment to match the intended dimensions.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern from Rowan (reference RM004-00013-UK), published in 2021. The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions for constructing the back and front sections, with stitch counts given for each of the five sizes in brackets.