Rowan Camelia Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Camelia Cardigan by Linda Whaley

What is Being Made

The Rowan Camelia is a children's cardigan designed to fit ages 3 to 7 years. This knitted garment features a button-front opening and is constructed using a combination of textured and smooth stitch patterns. The cardigan is secured with three 11mm buttons and is designed as a practical layering piece for young children.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked bottom-up using the flat knitting method, meaning pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together. The pattern includes shaping for raglan armholes, which creates a sloped shoulder line that extends from the underarm to the neckline. This construction approach allows for precise fit adjustments and is a traditional method for creating structured garments.

Stitches and Techniques

• Moss Stitch – Used for the ribbed edging at the cast-on and for the front button band, creating a textured, non-curling border that frames the cardigan opening
• Stockinette Stitch – Forms the main body of the cardigan, providing a smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Lace elements – The pattern incorporates lace shaping through strategic decreases and yarn-overs, adding visual interest and a delicate quality to the design
• Raglan armhole shaping – Created through a series of decreases worked at regular intervals, producing the characteristic diagonal lines from armpit to shoulder
• Front neck shaping – Decreases are worked at the neck edge to create a fitted neckline, with simultaneous raglan decreases maintaining the shoulder line

Materials Required

The Rowan Camelia is knitted using Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn in the colorway Pinched Pink 426 (as shown in the photographed sample). The yardage requirements are 3, 3, 4, 4, and 4 x 50-gram balls for sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 years respectively. Two sets of needles are needed: 2¼mm (US 1) needles for the ribbed edging and cast-on, and 3mm (US 2/3) needles for the main body. Three 11mm buttons complete the fastening.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern is designed to achieve a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using 3mm needles. The cardigan is available in five children's sizes, with finished chest measurements ranging from 47 to 53 centimeters to accommodate ages 3 through 7 years.

Design Features

The Camelia cardigan showcases a refined design suitable for everyday wear. The moss stitch edging provides a neat, professional finish that prevents curling, while the combination of smooth stockinette and lace detailing creates visual texture. The button band is worked in moss stitch for durability and aesthetic appeal, and the raglan armhole construction offers comfortable, unrestricted movement ideal for active children.