Rowan Chamoisette Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Chamoisette Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Chamoisette is a classic cardigan pattern designed by Sarah Hatton. This garment is tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm through 122-127 cm, offering five size options to accommodate different body types. The cardigan features a structured silhouette with shaped armholes, shoulder shaping, and a back neck detail, making it a refined piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs fundamental knitting construction methods that build the garment from the bottom up. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles, meaning each piece is knitted as a flat rectangle before assembly. The individual components—back, left front, and right front—are seamed together after completion, creating clean, professional seams along the sides and shoulders. This bottom-up approach allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length as needed.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K1, P1): The pattern begins with a knit-one, purl-one ribbing pattern worked over 8 rows. This elastic stitch is used at the cuffs and lower edge to create a fitted, stretchy finish that hugs the body.
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The main body of the cardigan is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional knitwear. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side.
• Decreases: Strategic decreases are worked at the front slope and armholes to shape the garment, creating a tailored fit and proper armhole depth.
• Cast-off edges: Shoulder and neckline shaping is achieved through casting off stitches at specific intervals to form the garment's structure.

Materials and Needles

The Chamoisette is designed to be knitted using Cotton Cashmere yarn by Rowan, a luxurious blend that combines the breathability of cotton with the softness of cashmere. The pattern calls for 5 to 8 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the size being knitted. The photographed sample is worked in the colorway Sea Spray 219.

Two pairs of needles are required for this project. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the ribbed edgings, which are worked at a tighter gauge to create the elastic cuff detail. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the main stockinette stitch body, where the garment achieves its standard gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters.

The pattern specifies four buttons by Groves & Banks (reference A2384), which are used to close the front opening of the cardigan.

Skill Level and Finishing Details

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. Beyond the basic stitches, the project requires understanding garment shaping techniques, including working decreases at specific points to create armholes and a sloped front edge. The pattern also involves managing multiple stitches on holders for the neckline and working each side of the neck separately to achieve proper shaping. Button bands and finishing seams complete the professional appearance of the completed cardigan.