Rowan Ina Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Ina Cardigan by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

The Rowan Ina is a knitted cardigan designed by Marie Wallin, available in three size ranges: S-M (to fit bust 81-97 cm / 32-38 in), L-XL (102-117 cm / 40-46 in), and XXL (122-127 cm / 48-50 in). This is a classic cardigan construction featuring a front opening edge with a structured basket stitch detail that frames the garment.

Techniques Used

The Rowan Ina employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the cardigan is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and seaming. Individual pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment, which is a traditional approach that provides structure and definition to the cardigan's silhouette.

The pattern incorporates pocket placement during the front piece construction, with pocket linings worked separately and integrated into the left front panel. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-off decreases worked over multiple alternating rows, creating a tailored fit at the shoulder line.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K3, P3): The foundation stitch used for the lower edge and initial rows of the back and front pieces, creating elasticity and a neat finished edge
• Basket Stitch: A textured stitch pattern worked over 33 stitches at the front opening edge, creating a decorative frame for the cardigan opening
• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The primary body stitch used for the main fabric after the ribbed cuff, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Decreases (Work 2 Together): Used strategically to shape the garment and reduce stitch counts at specific points in the pattern
• Cast-Off: Applied in multiple stages during shoulder shaping to create the armhole and shoulder line definition

Materials

The Rowan Ina is designed to be knitted using Rowan Pure Wool Worsted yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: the S-M size requires 9 x 100gm balls, the L-XL requires 11 x 100gm balls, and the XXL requires 12 x 100gm balls. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Moonstone.

Two pairs of needles are required for construction. The ribbed cuff and initial shaping rows are worked using 3¾mm (US 5) needles, while the main body is knitted with 4½mm (US 7) needles. This needle size progression allows for a tighter, more elastic cuff that transitions to a more fluid drape in the body of the cardigan.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using the 4½mm (US 7) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper garment fit and sizing.