Rowan Batiste Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Batiste Cardigans by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Batiste pattern features seamed cardigans designed by Sarah Hatton. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with actual finished bust measurements between 96 cm and 134 cm. The cardigans are constructed using a sideways knitting method, with sections worked flat and then seamed together to create the finished garment.

Techniques Used

The Batiste cardigans employ seamed construction and flat knitting techniques throughout the pattern. The garment sections are knitted sideways, which is a distinctive approach that allows for strategic shaping. The pattern incorporates slip stitch edging to create neat, finished edges on the pieces before seaming. Decreases are worked at specific intervals to shape the armholes and neckline, with the pattern specifying different decrease schedules depending on the chosen size. The back neck shaping involves graduated decreases worked over alternating rows to create a smooth curve.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch structure is patterned knitting, with the pattern instructions referencing "patt" throughout, indicating a stitch pattern is repeated across the work. Key stitch techniques include:

• Slip stitches worked purlwise with yarn at front (abbreviated as "sl 1 wyaf"), which creates decorative bars of yarn on the right side of the work and provides neat edge definition
• Knit and purl stitches forming the base of the pattern structure
• Decreases including K2tog (knit two together) and psso (pass slipped stitch over) to shape the garment
• Cast-off stitches used to bind off large sections at the armholes

The pattern maintains stitch pattern continuity throughout shaping, requiring careful attention to keep the patterned repeat correct while working decreases.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Batiste cardigans are designed to be knitted in Cotton Cashmere yarn by Rowan. The pattern requires 6, 6, 7, 7, or 8 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on size selected, with the photographed sample worked in the colorway Seed 212. The yarn weight and fiber blend create a lightweight, breathable fabric suitable for a cardigan.

The pattern calls for 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric, which are used to achieve the specified tension of 20 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters over pattern. A 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle measuring at least 120 centimeters long is also required, used for finishing details such as neckband and button band construction.

Pattern Reference and Format

This is pattern reference ZB232-00002 by Rowan, designed by Sarah Hatton. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF file and includes comprehensive sizing information, detailed stitch abbreviations, and step-by-step instructions for constructing the cardigans using the sideways knitting technique. Additional pattern information and resources are available on knitrowan.com.