Rowan Gigi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Gigi Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Gigi is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Hatton. This garment is constructed as a button-front cardigan available in five sizes ranging from small (81-86 cm bust) to extra-extra-large (122-127 cm bust). The cardigan features a structured silhouette with shaped armholes, a front slope neckline, and a ribbed front opening edge that frames the button closure.

Construction Techniques

The Gigi cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning all pieces are knitted from the cast-on edge upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and all pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished cardigan. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping of individual pieces before assembly.

The pattern incorporates strategic decreasing techniques to shape the front slope of the neckline and the armhole edges. Shaping occurs at regular intervals—including decreases on alternate rows and specific row counts—to create a well-fitted garment that tapers appropriately at the neck and underarms.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Gigi cardigan employs several fundamental knitting stitches to create visual interest and structure:

• Moss Stitch (also called seed stitch): Used throughout much of the garment body, this reversible stitch creates a textured, bumpy fabric by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. Moss stitch provides subtle texture while maintaining a relatively flat fabric suitable for a fitted cardigan.
• Garter Stitch: Applied to the front opening edges (9 stitches on each front piece), garter stitch creates a firm, stable edge that resists curling and provides a neat finish for the button band area.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the main body pieces after the initial ribbed setup rows, stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a defined right side and reverse side.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Gigi is designed to be knitted with Rowan Cocoon yarn, a luxurious blend requiring between 5 to 8 balls of 100-gram skeins depending on the finished size (smaller sizes require 5-6 balls; larger sizes require 7-8 balls). The pattern was photographed in the colorway Red Wine 819, though the yarn is available in a full range of colors through knitrowan.com.

Two pairs of needles are required to complete this project:

• 6mm (US 10) needles: Used for the initial cast-on and ribbed setup rows on all pieces, these smaller needles create a tighter gauge that provides structure and definition to the edges.
• 7mm (US 10½) needles: Used for the main body knitting in stockinette and moss stitches, these larger needles create the working gauge of 14 stitches and 16 rows to 10 centimeters.

The pattern also calls for one button (Rowan button reference 00422) to secure the front opening.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 16 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 7mm needles. This moderate gauge creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a fitted cardigan silhouette.