Rowan Bibbi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bibbi Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bibbi is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is constructed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm up to 122–127 cm (32–34 inches to 48–50 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements of 90 cm to 130 cm (35½ inches to 51 inches). The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with three buttons and includes functional patch pockets integrated into the design.

Construction Technique

The Bibbi cardigan is worked flat using a bottom-up seamed construction method. This approach means the garment pieces are knitted separately from the lower edges upward, then assembled together using seams. The cardigan features raglan armholes, which are shaped through strategic decreasing at each end of the garment pieces. The pattern specifies precise decrease sequences worked on alternating rows and fourth rows, creating the characteristic sloped raglan shaping that provides a comfortable fit through the shoulders and upper arms.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): Used for the lower body sections and front bands, creating a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the main body and pattern sections, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Slip Stitches: Incorporated as decorative elements within the pattern rows (worked as slip 1 with yarn forward and slip 1 with yarn across), adding visual interest and texture detail
• Pocket Linings: Worked in stockinette stitch and integrated into the front pieces, with stitches cast off and later picked up for a neat, finished pocket opening

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Bibbi is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn. The yardage requirements range from 9 x 50g balls for the smallest size to 13 x 50g balls for the largest size (the photographed sample was worked in the colorway Rainy Day 210). The pattern requires three different needle sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric characteristics:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles: Used for initial cast-on and ribbing sections
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles: Used for garter stitch sections, achieving a tension of 22 stitches and 40 rows over 10 cm
• 4mm (US 6) needles: Used for the main stockinette stitch sections, achieving a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 cm

The pattern also calls for three buttons (Groves and Banks G440428) for the front closure.

Pattern Details and Shaping

The left front panel is cast on with 54–76 stitches depending on size and begins with 59 rows of garter stitch, which creates a sturdy, textured foundation. Pocket openings are strategically placed, with pocket linings worked separately in stockinette stitch and incorporated into the main pieces. After the garter stitch section, the pattern transitions to the main body fabric, where slip stitch details are introduced in a repeating pattern. The raglan armhole shaping is worked systematically, with decreases occurring at specific intervals to create the sloped shoulder line characteristic of raglan construction.