Rowan Flori Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Flori Cardigan by Grace Jones

What is Being Made

The Rowan Flori is a baby cardigan designed by Grace Jones, available in seven size options ranging from newborn (0-3 months) through to 2-3 years. The garment features an actual chest measurement range of 52 to 65 cm (20½ to 25½ inches), making it suitable for infants and toddlers. This is a classic button-front cardigan with a refined construction approach.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Flori cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structure to the design:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and a natural progression through the pattern.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are completed separately and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing and excellent garment structure.
• Raglan armhole shaping: The cardigan features raglan-style armholes that are shaped using decreases worked at the beginning and end of rows, creating the characteristic diagonal lines from underarm to neckline.
• Cable and lace detailing: The pattern incorporates decorative cable and lace elements, including yarn forward increases (yfwd), knit two together decreases (K2tog), and slip-stitch decreases (psso and p2sso) that create an elegant central lace panel.

Stitches Used

The Flori cardigan utilizes a range of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): Forms the primary fabric on either side of the central lace panel, providing a smooth, classic knit surface.
• Ribbing: Used at the lower edge and front bands for elasticity and a neat, fitted finish. The pattern specifies working in rib for multiple rows before transitioning to the main stitch pattern.
• Lace stitches: A central lace panel is created using yarn forward increases (yfwd) paired with various decrease methods including K2tog (knit two together), psso (pass slipped stitch over), and p2sso (pass two slipped stitches over). These techniques create an openwork design that runs vertically down the center front of the cardigan.
• Decrease variations: The pattern employs sl 1K (slip one knitwise), Sl2togK (slip two stitches as though to knit two together), and specialized double decreases for shaping and decorative purposes.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The Rowan Flori is designed to be worked in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino, a luxurious blend ideal for delicate baby garments. The yardage requirements range from 3 to 5 x 50 gram balls depending on the size selected, with the photographed sample worked in the shade Taupe 104. This yarn choice provides softness, breathability, and easy care—essential qualities for baby clothing.

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric texture and drape. A 2¾mm (US 2) needle is used for the ribbed edgings and bands, while a 3¼mm (US 3) needle is used for the main body fabric. This needle size differential is a common technique that creates a tighter, more elastic edge while allowing the main fabric to have appropriate drape and fluidity.

Notions: The cardigan is completed with three BN1116 buttons from Bedecked, providing a classic closure suitable for a baby garment.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) when measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¼mm (US 3) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and ensuring the cardigan fits as intended across the full size range.

Pattern Construction Details

The Flori follows a structured construction method typical of fitted baby cardigans. The back piece is worked first, beginning with a cast-on appropriate to the chosen size. After working the ribbed cuff, the pattern transitions to the main fabric with a central lace panel flanked by stockinette