Rowan Haddam Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Haddam Cardigan by Amy Herzog

What is Being Made

The Rowan Haddam is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Amy Herzog. This garment is constructed as a structured, fitted cardigan available in five sizes ranging from small (81-86 cm bust) to extra-extra-large (122-127 cm bust). The cardigan features waist shaping with strategically placed increases and a traditional armhole and shoulder construction, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Haddam cardigan is worked using the bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to create the final garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and control over the fit throughout the construction process.

The pattern incorporates several key shaping techniques including strategic increases for waist definition, armhole decreases for proper sleeve cap fit, and shoulder shaping with back neck shaping for a professional finish. Increases are worked using the make-one (M1) method, placed symmetrically on either side of stitch markers to create balanced waist shaping. Decreases are executed using knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases for a neat, professional appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Haddam cardigan is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of traditional knitted garments. This foundational stitch is combined with basic knitting techniques including:

• Knit (K) and purl stitches for stockinette stitch construction
• Make-one (M1) increases for waist shaping
• Knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases for armhole and neck shaping
• Cast-off (bind-off) techniques for finishing edges and shaping shoulders
• Stitch markers (PM) to denote shaping points

Materials and Specifications

The Haddam cardigan is knitted using Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber choice. The pattern requires between 7 to 10 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on size selection, with the sample photographed in the colorway Bitter Sweet 866. This yarn weight and yardage provide excellent drape and wearability for a fitted cardigan silhouette.

The pattern calls for specific needle sizes to achieve the correct tension. Knitters will need a pair of 5mm (US 8) straight needles for the main fabric construction, along with a 5mm (US 8) circular needle measuring at least 120 cm long and a 5.5mm (US 9) circular needle measuring at least 120 cm long for finishing and neckband work. The recommended tension is 19 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 5mm needles, making this an intermediate-level project requiring careful tension monitoring.

Pattern Structure and Fit

The cardigan features a fitted silhouette achieved through waist shaping. The back piece begins with 81 to 127 stitches depending on size, with increases worked at marked intervals to expand the garment at the waist before armhole shaping narrows it again. Armhole depth ranges from 19 to 23 centimeters depending on size, ensuring proper sleeve cap fit across the size range. The pattern includes detailed instructions for shaping both shoulders and the back neck opening, with separate instructions for each side to ensure balanced construction.