Rowan Emmy Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Emmy Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Emmy is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is a versatile layering piece available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The finished cardigan features actual bust measurements ranging from 92 cm to 132 cm depending on size selected, offering a comfortable, wearable fit.

Knitting Techniques

The Emmy cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat method. This traditional approach means the garment is knitted in separate pieces starting from the lower edges and working upward, then assembled together with seams. The pattern includes detailed shaping techniques throughout:

• Ribbed edging and button bands worked in knit-purl combinations
• Strategic increases worked at side seams to shape the garment body
• Paired decreases (P2tog and P2tog tbl) for refined waist shaping
• Stocking stitch as the primary fabric throughout the body
• Slip stitch techniques for securing stitches on holders during construction

Stitches Used

The Emmy employs fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision. Ribbing (alternating knit and purl stitches) forms the foundation at the hem and creates the button band details. Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) comprises the main fabric body, creating a smooth, classic appearance. Decreases including purl two together and purl two together through the back loop are used strategically for shaping. Make one increases add stitches where needed for proper fit and shaping.

Materials and Needles

The Rowan Emmy is designed to be knitted in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn, a delicate double-knitting weight fiber. Yardage requirements range from 8 to 12 x 50-gram balls depending on the size being made. The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed edging and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main stocking stitch fabric. Eight buttons (A0502 from Groves and Banks) complete the cardigan front closure.

Tension and Sizing

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Five size options accommodate a wide range of body measurements, with detailed stitch counts provided for each size throughout the pattern.