Rowan Coco Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Coco Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Coco is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements of 81-86 cm, 91-97 cm, 102-107 cm, 112-117 cm, and 122-127 cm, with corresponding actual garment bust measurements ranging from 90 cm to 130 cm. The cardigan features a button front closure with seven grey plastic buttons (20mm diameter) and is constructed with a classic tailored fit.

Construction Techniques

The Rowan Coco cardigan is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the pieces are knitted separately from the lower edges upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional shaping and seaming techniques.

The cardigan features distinct shaping at the armholes and neckline. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows to create the proper sleeve cap depth. Neck shaping is worked by decreasing stitches at the neck edge while simultaneously casting off stitches at the beginning of alternate rows to create a neat, finished neckline. The front opening edge maintains a ribbed border throughout, which provides structure and a professional finish to the button band.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rowan Coco employs several fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and texture:

• Ribbing: The lower edge begins with a two-row repeat rib pattern (P1, K1 tbl alternating with K1, P1) worked over 18 rows. This elastic ribbing helps the garment maintain its shape and provides a fitted edge. The front button band also maintains this ribbed stitch pattern throughout the length of the cardigan for a consistent, professional appearance.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the cardigan is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), creating a smooth, classic fabric suitable for a tailored cardigan silhouette.

Materials and Yarn

The Rowan Coco is designed to be knitted using Rowan Denim Revive yarn. The pattern requires 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the chosen size. The photographed sample is shown in the colorway Silt 216. Denim Revive is a durable yarn choice suitable for a structured cardigan that will withstand regular wear.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for two pairs of needles: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed sections and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main stockinette stitch body. The specified tension is 22 stitches and 29 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the cardigan to fit properly and maintain the intended garment measurements.

Pattern Details

The pattern provides detailed instructions for shaping the back, left front, and right front pieces separately. Each piece includes specific stitch counts for all five sizes, with increases worked during the ribbed section and decreases worked at armholes and necklines. The neckband stitches are held on a stitch holder during construction and worked after the shoulder seams are joined, ensuring a neat, finished neck edge. The pattern reference number is ZB249-00004, and additional yarn information is available on knitrowan.com.