Rowan Cringle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Cringle Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Cringle is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with corresponding actual bust measurements of the finished garment from 112.5 cm to 152.5 cm (44¼ to 60 inches). The cardigan features a classic construction with shaped armholes, tailored shoulders, and a structured back neck shaping.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The garment is constructed using garter stitch throughout, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. A key design element is the striped pattern that runs continuously through the body of the cardigan, requiring careful attention to maintain stripe sequence consistency across rows. The pattern incorporates increases at both ends of rows to shape the armholes, and decreases at the neck edge for proper fit. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic casting off at the beginning of rows in graduated increments, and back neck shaping involves both casting off and decreasing stitches to create a comfortable neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Cringle cardigan is garter stitch (knit every row), which provides a durable, textured fabric with excellent drape and structure. The garment features a striped colorway pattern that is maintained consistently throughout the body sections. The stripe sequence is worked in the round across the front and back pieces, requiring knitters to track the pattern repeat carefully to ensure the stripes align properly at seams and maintain visual continuity across the finished garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Cringle cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Moordale yarn, a 100-gram ball weight. The primary colorway consists of four colors: Feather (001), Ash (010), Blue Moor (008), and Oxford Blue (009). An alternative colorway option is available featuring Feather (001), Sloe (017), Peony (019), and Orange Peel (018). Yarn quantities vary by size, with the main color (Feather) requiring 5 to 7 balls depending on size selection, while the three contrast colors require 2 to 3 balls each.

The pattern calls for 3¼mm (US 3) needles and 4mm (US 6) needles, with the initial cast-on and early rows worked on the smaller needle size before transitioning to the larger needles for the body of the garment. This needle size progression is typical for creating a neat, elastic edge and establishing proper gauge before working the main fabric.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The left front panel is cast on using the smaller needles with yarn A, beginning with the stripe sequence row 1 and continuing the body stripe sequence throughout. The pattern provides detailed row counts for armhole shaping, with approximately 64 to 88 rows worked depending on the size, and armhole depth measurements ranging from approximately 17 cm to 23 cm. The shoulder shaping involves multiple cast-off sequences in graduated increments, with different stitch counts for different sizes, demonstrating the precision required in this intermediate-level design.