Rowan Levi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Levi Cardigan by Georgia Farrell

What is Being Made

The Rowan Levi is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Georgia Farrell. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a classic cardigan in nine different sizes, ranging from a 71–76 cm bust measurement up to 152–157 cm, with corresponding finished bust measurements from 110.5 cm to 192 cm. The design is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience and includes detailed shaping for the front left panel, back, and additional pieces.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs fundamental knitting construction techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern uses flat knitting on straight needles for the main body pieces, with the option of a circular needle for managing larger stitch counts. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked into the stitch pattern itself. The pattern demonstrates how to work symmetrical shaping on corresponding pieces, such as mirroring the left front panel to create the right front. Knitters will practice maintaining pattern continuity while executing these shaping techniques across multiple rows.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Levi features a textured stitch pattern that alternates between knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence. The pattern is built on a foundation of garter stitch and stockinette stitch variations, specifically a decorative stitch pattern that repeats over 64 rows. The core repeat consists of alternating blocks of 7 knit stitches and 7 purl stitches, creating a balanced, reversible texture. This stitch pattern is worked consistently across the front, back, and side panels, with edge stitches adjusted for size to ensure proper alignment and symmetry.

Materials

The Rowan Levi is designed to be worked in Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn. The pattern has been photographed in two colorways: Cinnamon 118 and Champagne 127, showcasing the versatility of the design across different color options. Knitters will need size 3¾ mm (US 5) straight needles for working the main fabric, as well as one size 3¾ mm circular needle measuring at least 120 cm in length for managing stitches on larger sizes. The gauge is established at 23 stitches and 32 rows over 10 cm when working the pattern stitch on size 3¾ mm needles, making accurate gauge swatching essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.