Rowan Brampton Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Brampton Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Brampton is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey, available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). The finished garment features an actual bust measurement of 116–156 cm (45¾–61½ inches) depending on size selection. This is a classic cardigan construction suitable for various skill levels.

Techniques Used

The Brampton cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to create the final garment. This traditional method allows for careful shaping and precise seam placement.

The pattern incorporates strategic shaping at the shoulders, with multiple cast-off rows distributed across the back piece to create proper shoulder slope. The back neck shaping is worked separately on each side, with decreases at the neck edge combined with cast-off stitches to form a neat neckline. The left front features a distinctive opening edge treatment that maintains structural integrity while creating a refined finish.

Stitches Used

The Brampton cardigan employs several key stitch patterns:

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary fabric throughout most of the garment, providing a smooth, classic appearance
• Reverse stockinette stitch (rev st st) – used as a textural element adjacent to the front opening edge
• Moss stitch – a textured stitch used for 7 stitches at the front opening edge and extending across the remaining stitches, creating a decorative and stable border

The pattern note emphasizes careful attention to stitch matching when working from a chart, ensuring that any decreases are balanced by corresponding increases to maintain stitch counts and pattern integrity throughout construction.

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan Brampton is knitted using Rowan Island Blend Fine yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: 11 balls for the smallest size through 16 balls for the largest size, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The yarn shown in the pattern photograph is shade Lake 105.

Needles required: One pair of 3¼mm (US size 3) straight needles for the main fabric construction.

Tension (gauge): The pattern specifies 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch, and 26 stitches and 43 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the patterned sections, both achieved using 3¼mm (US 3) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all size options.

This is a downloadable PDF pattern produced by Rowan (MEZ Crafts UK Ltd.), identified as pattern number ZB265-00012-UK, version 1, published in 2020. Additional yarn information and resources are available on knitrowan.com.