Rowan Holly Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Holly Cardigan by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Rowan Holly is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-127 cm (28-50 inches). This downloadable PDF pattern from Rowan Yarns provides instructions for creating a classic cardigan with a front opening edge and structured shaping through the front slope and shoulders. The garment is available in six size options to accommodate various body measurements.

Techniques Used

This cardigan pattern employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The construction includes decreasing stitches at the front slope edge to create the cardigan's characteristic sloped neckline, with decreases worked at regular intervals (every 4th row, 2nd row, or 6th row depending on size). Shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the shoulder and increases at specific points for the back neck border extension. The pattern demonstrates stitch pattern work with alternating knit and purl stitches creating texture throughout the garment. Knitters will also work with pattern repeats and maintain stitch counts across multiple rows while shaping the garment simultaneously.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – used for the front opening edge
• Knit (K) – primary stitch in the pattern repeats
• Purl (P) – creates textural contrast in the patterned sections
• Knit two together (2 tog) – used for decreasing at the front slope
• Pattern repeats – the sequence K3, *P1, K3, rep from * creates the overall fabric texture

Materials Required

This cardigan is worked in Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 10 to 13 balls depending on which of the six sizes you are knitting. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Rock 273. Knitters will need one pair of 5½mm (US 9) needles to complete this project. The tension is set at 16 stitches and 22 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern using the specified needle size, making it essential to swatch before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Pattern Details

The Rowan Holly cardigan is constructed in separate pieces: a back, two front pieces, and a back neck border extension. The back is cast on with 75 to 115 stitches depending on size, while each front piece begins with 59 to 79 stitches. The pattern uses a combination of stockinette stitch for the front opening edges and a repeating knit-purl pattern for the main fabric. Front slope shaping occurs over multiple rows with decreases positioned to create a gradual, professional-looking neckline. The shoulder shaping involves casting off a significant number of stitches followed by working a back neck border extension strip that measures 8 to 9.5 centimeters. This intermediate project provides excellent practice in managing multiple shaping techniques while maintaining stitch pattern consistency throughout the garment.