Rowan Buckland Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Buckland Cardigans by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Buckland is a children's cardigan pattern designed to fit ages 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, and 11–12 years, with actual chest measurements ranging from 75.5 cm to 93.5 cm (29¾ to 36¾ inches). This classic knitted cardigan features a striped design and is constructed using traditional seaming techniques for a polished, structured finish.

Techniques Used

The Buckland cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and intuitive shaping
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this pattern accessible to knitters of varying experience levels
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming methods for professional results
• Striped colorwork: The design incorporates a repeating stripe sequence worked in two contrasting yarn colors, creating visual interest while maintaining straightforward stitch work

Stitches Used

The Buckland cardigan is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side. This fundamental stitch is combined with strategic decreasing and increasing to shape the armholes, shoulders, and neckline. The pattern includes cast-off edges to finish the neckline and button bands, and specific shaping instructions for creating a well-fitted garment across multiple size ranges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Buckland cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Softyak DK, a yarn weight classification that produces a fabric with good drape and wearability for children's garments. The yarn requirements vary by size:

• Yarn A (Cream, shade 230): 4–7 x 50g balls depending on size
• Yarn B (Lea, shade 236): 2–3 x 50g balls depending on size

Two sizes of needles are required to achieve proper tension and structure. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the initial cast-on and ribbed edges, creating a tighter gauge that helps the garment hold its shape. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the main body and striped sections, producing a more relaxed fabric appropriate for the stockinette stitch sections. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 cm when measured over stockinette stitch using the larger needles, ensuring consistent sizing across all garment dimensions.

Additional Details

The cardigan is finished with 5 buttons (BN1367, 1.8cm) from Bedecked, which are spaced along the front opening. The pattern includes detailed shaping for armholes, shoulders, and a structured neckline, with specific instructions for each of the four size options. This design by Martin Storey represents a classic children's cardigan suitable for everyday wear.