Rowan Frankie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Frankie Cardigan by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Rowan Frankie is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a button-front closure with seven buttons and is constructed using a traditional seamed, bottom-up construction method that allows knitters to work from the hem upward before joining the pieces together.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it accessible to knitters with intermediate skill levels. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece is knitted separately as a flat panel. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, where the knitter begins at the lower edge of each piece and works toward the shoulders. Seaming is used to join the individual pieces together, creating clean, structured seams along the sides and sleeves. Shaping techniques include decreases worked at strategic points to create armholes and sleeve caps, using methods such as slip-stitch decreases (S1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases to achieve proper fit and silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Frankie cardigan utilizes a limited palette of stitches, keeping the pattern straightforward and suitable for intermediate knitters. The primary stitch throughout the garment is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic appearance characteristic of traditional cardigans. The ribbed edging at the hem, cuffs, and front bands is worked in knit two, purl two ribbing (K2, P2 rib), which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape. Decreases are incorporated using slip-stitch decreases and knit-two-together decreases to shape the armholes and side seams. The pattern also utilizes casting off to finish edges and complete the construction.

Materials and Specifications

The Frankie cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in the shade Rock 273 (as shown in the pattern). The yardage requirement varies by size, with nine to nine balls needed depending on which size is being knitted. The pattern calls for three different needle sizes to accommodate different stages of construction: 5mm (US 8) needles are used for the ribbed edgings and initial cast-on rows, while 6mm (US 10) needles are used for the main body of the garment worked in stocking stitch. A 5mm (US 8) circular needle is also required, likely for picking up stitches for the front bands or neckline finishing. The tension is established at 14 stitches and 21 rows measured over 10 centimeters in stocking stitch using 6mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Additional notions include a stitch holder for holding stitches during construction and seven buttons for the front closure.

Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces: a back panel, two front panels, and sleeves. Each piece begins with a ribbed edge created using 5mm needles, which is then changed to 6mm needles to work the main body in stocking stitch. The back piece is cast on with 70 to 86 stitches depending on size. The front pieces are narrower, beginning with 34 to 42 stitches, and include decreases along the front edge to create the cardigan's sloped front opening. Armhole shaping is achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked at the edges to taper the armholes. The pattern includes specific measurements for armhole depth, ranging from 21 to 23 centimeters depending on size, ensuring proper sleeve cap fit when the pieces are seamed together.