Rowan Grisedale Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Grisedale Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Grisedale is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). This is a structured, tailored cardigan worked in a classic construction method with stranded colorwork patterning throughout.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Grisedale cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edges upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional shaping and finishing.

The primary decorative technique employed is stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle knitting. This technique involves carrying multiple yarn colors across the back of the work while knitting with the active color, creating intricate patterned designs. The pattern instructions reference a chart that is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), with the Fair Isle pattern repeating over 106 rows throughout the garment.

Additional shaping techniques include shoulder shaping achieved through strategic cast-offs and neck shaping accomplished by decreasing stitches at the neck edge over multiple rows. The cardigan features pocket linings that are worked separately and incorporated into the front pieces, with increases worked into the lining using the make-one (M1) increase method to create a subtle shaping detail.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary stitch throughout, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Garter stitch – implied in ribbed sections at cuffs and edges
• Knit and purl stitches – the foundation of the Fair Isle colorwork pattern
• Make-one increase (M1) – used for subtle shaping in pocket linings
• Cast-off stitches – used for shoulder and neckline shaping
• Decreases at neck edge – worked over consecutive rows for gradual neck shaping

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Grisedale cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn, a premium worsted-weight yarn in four coordinated colorways:

• Yarn A – Moordale Ash 010: 4-5 x 100g balls depending on size (primary yarn)
• Yarn B – Moordale Beetroot 007: 3 x 100g balls (secondary color)
• Yarn C – Moordale Blue Moor 008: 2-3 x 100g balls (accent color)
• Yarn D – Moordale Turmeric 003: 2-3 x 100g balls (accent color)

The pattern requires two needle sizes to create a fitted garment with defined stitch definition:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles – used for ribbed edgings and initial cast-on rows, creating a tighter, more elastic fabric
• 4mm (US 6) needles – used for the main body in stockinette stitch and Fair Isle colorwork, creating the primary fabric with appropriate drape
• 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle (minimum 120 cm length) – used for working the front band and neckline finishing

The cardigan is finished with 3 buttons (BN1367 from Bedecked), indicating this is a front-opening cardigan with button closure.

Pattern Characteristics

The pattern features a sophisticated approach to colorwork integration, with the stranded Fair Isle technique creating visual interest while maintaining the structural integrity of the knit fabric. The use of multiple yarn colors in a coordinated palette allows knitters to create a complex, multi-colored design without requiring advanced techniques beyond standard Fair Isle knitting. The inclusion of separately-worked pocket linings demonstrates attention to finishing detail and professional garment construction.