Rowan Inga Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Rowan Inga Crochet Cardigan by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

The Rowan Inga is a crochet cardigan designed by Marie Wallin, available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large to fit bust measurements of 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). This garment is constructed using the sideways working method, which creates a unique drape and allows for seamless integration of the striped colorwork pattern throughout the design.

Techniques Used

The Inga cardigan employs seamed construction combined with striped colorwork and is worked flat in rows rather than in the round. The sideways working technique is a distinctive feature of this pattern, meaning the body is crocheted horizontally from one side edge to the other, which influences how shaping and color changes are integrated into the structure. This approach creates interesting visual effects with the stripe placement and allows for strategic increases and decreases worked directly into the fabric.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches to create its fabric. Double crochet (dc) forms the primary fabric base, creating a dense, structured textile suitable for a fitted cardigan silhouette. Treble crochet (tr) stitches are incorporated in specific rows to create stitch variations and shaping within the pattern. The pattern begins with a foundation chain and progresses through rows that combine these stitch types, with strategic increases and decreases worked into the base of stitches and at edges to shape the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Hooks

The Inga cardigan is designed to be worked with Rowan Felted Tweed yarn in seven coordinating colorways. The yarn quantities required vary by size, with the smallest size requiring 2–3 balls of most colors (each ball is 50 grams) and the largest size requiring 3–4 balls per color. The specific shades used in the photographed version are:

• Yarn A: Bilberry 151 – 2–4 balls depending on size
• Yarn B: Paisley 171 – 3–4 balls depending on size
• Yarn C: Gilt 160 – 2–4 balls depending on size
• Yarn D: Pine 158 – 2–4 balls depending on size
• Yarn E: Watery 152 – 2–3 balls depending on size
• Yarn F: Seasalter 178 – 2–4 balls depending on size
• Yarn G: Avocado 161 – 2–3 balls depending on size

The pattern is worked with a 4.00mm (US G6) crochet hook. The recommended tension is 18½ stitches and 12 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the striped pattern, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and fit.

Pattern Structure and Design Details

The Inga begins with a first section where the body is worked sideways in rows, starting with a foundation chain that varies in length by size. The pattern systematically introduces color changes across multiple rows, with each new yarn color typically worked across an entire row. Shaping is incorporated through increases and decreases that are strategically placed to create the cardigan's silhouette. The stripe pattern emerges from the sequential use of the seven yarn colors, creating visual interest while the sideways construction method ensures the stripes run horizontally across the finished garment. The seamed construction method means pieces will be joined together after the main sections are completed, allowing for precise finishing and professional-looking seams.