Rowan Birdhouse Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Birdhouse Cardigans by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Birdhouse is a collection of patterned and plain knitted cardigans designed by Martin Storey. This downloadable PDF pattern offers four distinct cardigan variations: a longer patterned cardigan, a shorter patterned cardigan, a longer plain cardigan, and a shorter plain cardigan. All versions are tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches), making them suitable for a wide range of sizes.

Techniques Used

These cardigans are constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked flat: The cardigan pieces are knitted on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, making this pattern accessible to knitters of all skill levels.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques for a professional finish.
• Stranded colorwork: The patterned versions incorporate the fairisle technique, a traditional method of working with two colors in a single row by carrying the unused yarn across the back of the work.

Stitches Used

The Birdhouse cardigans employ classic knitting stitches that form the foundation of the design:

• Two-color rib: The pattern begins with a two-color ribbed cuff worked over 10 rows total, alternating between two yarns (yarn A and yarn B) to create a decorative striped rib that provides elasticity and a finished edge.
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The main fabric of the cardigan is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic appearance with a knit side facing outward and a purl side on the reverse.
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) decreases are used strategically to shape the garment, particularly during armhole shaping and waist shaping to ensure proper fit.

Colorwork and Pattern Details

The patterned cardigan versions feature a 45-row fairisle chart that is worked in stockinette stitch. This stranded colorwork technique creates intricate patterns by alternating between two colors within each row. The chart guides knitters through the exact placement of colors, and the unused yarn is carried loosely across the back of the work to maintain consistent tension and fabric elasticity.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Birdhouse pattern specifies materials appropriate for creating a well-finished cardigan:

Yarn Requirements (Rowan Moordale):

• Longer patterned cardigan: Yarn A (Pewter 012) requires 4–6 balls of 100gm depending on size; Yarn B (Feather 001) requires 1–2 balls of 100gm.
• Shorter patterned cardigan: Yarn A (Pewter 012) requires 4–5 balls of 100gm; Yarn B (Feather 001) requires 1 ball of 100gm across all sizes.
• Longer plain cardigan: Yarn A (Beetroot 007) requires 5–6 balls of 100gm; Yarn B (Feather 001) requires 1 ball of 100gm.
• Shorter plain cardigan: Yarn A requires 4–6 balls of 100gm; Yarn B (Feather 001) requires 1 ball of 100gm.
• Alternative colorway: Yarn A (Sloe 017) with Yarn B (Feather 001) offers a different aesthetic while maintaining the same yardage requirements.

Needles: The pattern calls for 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuff and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. The change in needle size creates a subtle texture transition between the elastic rib and the smooth stockinette fabric.

Construction Overview

The back piece is cast on using the smaller need