Rowan Inigo Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Inigo Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Inigo is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements of 88 cm to 128 cm. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with five buttons and is constructed as a structured, fitted piece suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Technique

The Inigo cardigan is worked using a 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 a professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cardigan employs two primary stitch patterns:

• Moss Stitch – Used for the ribbed front opening edges and cuffs, creating a textured, elastic border. Moss stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, providing both visual interest and functional stretch.
• Stockinette Stitch – The main body fabric of the cardigan, created by alternating rows of knit stitches (on right-side rows) and purl stitches (on wrong-side rows). This produces the smooth, classic appearance typical of fitted knitwear.

Shaping and Fit

The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for armholes, shoulders, and neckline. The back and front pieces feature decreases at the armhole edges to create a fitted silhouette, with armhole depths ranging from 19 cm to 25 cm depending on size. The neckline is shaped with a center back neck opening and graduated shoulder seams, providing a tailored fit across the shoulders and chest.

Materials Required

Yarn: Rowan Cashmere Tweed, a luxury blend yarn. The yardage requirements range from 11 to 16 balls of 25-gram weight, depending on the finished size selected. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Yorkshire 013.

Needles: One pair of 4 mm (US 6) straight needles are used throughout the pattern.

Notions: Five buttons (Bedecked BN1562) are required for the front button band closure.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 4 mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and finished measurements.

Pattern Details

The pattern includes five size options with graded measurements throughout. The front opening features a 5-stitch moss stitch border that frames the button band, while the body transitions to stockinette stitch for a clean, professional appearance. The back piece is worked with full-width shaping, and the left front includes the button band integration within the pattern structure.