Rowan Haven Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Haven Cardigan by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Rowan Haven is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with front pockets and is available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL. The pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle structured garment construction with shaping and pocket integration.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project that combines fundamental knitting techniques with intermediate-level garment construction. The cardigan is worked primarily in stocking stitch, a foundational knit fabric that creates a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern incorporates several intermediate techniques including:

• Double-stranded yarn work for enhanced fabric weight and warmth
• Ribbed edging using alternating knit and purl stitches for structure and elasticity
• Set-in pocket construction with separate pocket linings
• Decreasing stitches for garment shaping
• Stitch holder management for seamless pocket integration

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Haven cardigan is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which alternates knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to create a smooth, flat fabric. Ribbing using a K1, P1 (knit one, purl one) pattern is used for the cuff and waistband areas, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. The pocket linings are also worked in stocking stitch before being integrated into the main body.

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Haven cardigan is knitted with Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, shown in the shade Dawn 269. The pattern requires 16 to 19 balls of yarn depending on the size selected (XS through XXL). Yarn is held double throughout the project for increased fabric weight and insulation. Two needle sizes are required: 9mm (US 13) needles for the ribbed edging sections and 10mm (US 15) needles for the main stocking stitch fabric. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during pocket construction and a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats.

Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed using a traditional flat knitting method with separate pieces. The pattern begins with the pocket linings, which are cast on with 16 stitches and worked in stocking stitch for 15 centimeters before being placed on stitch holders. The left front is then cast on with 22 to 28 stitches depending on size, beginning with ribbed edging before transitioning to stocking stitch. Decreasing occurs strategically during the ribbed section to shape the garment. Pockets are integrated by casting off stitches in the main body and grafting the pre-made pocket lining in place using a purl-together technique. The back piece follows a similar construction method, cast on with 48 to 58 stitches and worked in ribbing before stocking stitch. The cardigan is designed to measure 74 to 76 centimeters in total length depending on size, with a tension of 9 rows and 11 stitches equaling 10 centimeters measured over stocking stitch using 10mm needles with yarn held double.