Rowan Elizabeth Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Elizabeth by Kim Hargreaves

What is Being Made

The Rowan Elizabeth is a versatile knitting pattern offering three distinct garment options designed by Kim Hargreaves. The collection includes a polo neck sweater, a round neck sweater, and a cardigan, all available in five size options ranging from extra small to extra large to fit bust measurements of 81 to 102 cm (32 to 40 inches). This downloadable PDF pattern provides comprehensive instructions for creating fitted, elegant knitwear pieces suitable for various occasions and personal style preferences.

Techniques Used

The Elizabeth pattern employs bottom-up construction, meaning the garment pieces are knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The design uses seamed construction, with individual pieces knitted flat on straight needles and then sewn together to create the finished garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and professional finishing. The pattern incorporates strategic increases and decreases to create fitted silhouettes, including waist shaping through paired increases and decreases worked at marked positions, and armhole shaping through graduated decreases at regular intervals.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Elizabeth pattern is stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the right side. The pattern utilizes several fundamental knitting techniques including knit stitches (K), purl stitches (P), knit two together decreases (K2tog) for shaping, and make one increases (M1) for adding stitches during the waist shaping sections. The tension is specified at 25 stitches and 34 rows over 10 centimeters in stocking stitch, ensuring proper garment fit and drape.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in the main color (5 balls of 25 grams for most sizes, 6 balls for larger sizes). The cardigan option requires an additional ball of Kidsilk Haze in a contrasting color for edging details. The pattern notes that the round neck sweater was photographed in Toffee 598, while the cardigan was shown in Poison 594 and Lord 593.
• Needles: One pair of 2¾mm (UK size 12, US size 2) needles, one pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10, US size 3) needles, and one 2¾mm (UK size 12, US size 2) circular needle for neckline finishing.
• Notions: Nine buttons required for the cardigan version. The round neck sweater option includes optional beading with approximately 1,400 beads for embellishment.

Pattern Details

The Elizabeth pattern demonstrates sophisticated shaping techniques throughout. The back piece begins with waist shaping that involves decreasing stitches over 13 rows, then increasing stitches over subsequent rows to create a fitted waist with gradual flare toward the bust. Armhole shaping is accomplished through cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by single stitch decreases at each end of subsequent rows, creating a smooth, professional armhole curve. The shoulder and back neck shaping uses strategic cast-offs to create clean lines and proper garment proportions. The cardigan version includes button bands and contrasting edging, while the sweater options feature neckline finishing on a circular needle.