Rowan Aspen Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Aspen Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Aspen is a stranded colorwork cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished chest measurements from 97 cm to 127 cm (38 to 50 inches). The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with five buttons and is constructed using the bottom-up seamed method, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, tailored fit.

Techniques Used

The Aspen cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished design:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is worked from the lower edges upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Stranded Colorwork (Fair Isle): The pattern incorporates the fairisle technique, which involves carrying yarn colors across the back of the work to create intricate two-color patterned sections. This technique adds visual interest and texture to the finished cardigan.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together. This approach is traditional for cardigan construction and provides clear shaping lines.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then sewn together, allowing for precise fit and professional finishing.

Stitches Used

The Aspen cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways:

• Ribbed Edging: The pattern begins with a two-by-two rib (alternating knit two, purl two) worked over 26 rows on smaller needles. This elastic rib creates a neat, fitted edge at the lower back, front bands, and cuffs, preventing rolling and providing shape retention.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body is worked in patterned stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for displaying colorwork.
• Stranded Patterning: Chart-based colorwork rows (rows 1 to 66, then repeating rows 67 to 74) create the distinctive Fair Isle design using two colors held simultaneously.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Aspen cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Wool Cotton, a blend that combines the warmth of wool with the breathability and drape of cotton. Two colorways are specified:

• Yarn A—Misty (shade 903): Quantities range from 7 to 11 balls of 50-gram weight depending on size.
• Yarn B—Inky (shade 908): Also ranging from 7 to 11 balls of 50-gram weight depending on size.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper tension and stitch definition:

• 2¾mm (US 2) needles: Used for ribbed edgings, which are worked on smaller needles to create a tighter, more elastic fabric.
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles: Used for the main body and stranded colorwork sections, allowing the Fair Isle pattern to display clearly.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 26 rows over 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) when measured over patterned stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. This square gauge—equal stitch and row counts—ensures that the stranded colorwork pattern maintains its intended proportions and that the finished garment matches the specified measurements.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on with 134 to 178 stitches (depending on size) using yarn B and the smaller needles. After completing the ribbed edging, stitches are increased or decreased as specified, then the work transitions to the larger needles for the main patterned body. Shaping occurs at the shoulders and back neck, with stitches cast off in stages to create armholes and neck shaping. The left and right fronts are worked separately, each beginning with a ribbed band and progressing through the stranded colorwork pattern with appropriate shaping for armholes and front neck curves. Five buttons