Rowan Irma Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Irma Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Irma is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is constructed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm up to 122-127 cm (32-50 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements of 90 to 130 cm (35½ to 51 inches). The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with seven buttons and is worked in a structured, tailored silhouette.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy length adjustments during the knitting process.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is typical for cardigans with front button bands.
• Seamed assembly: The individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques to create a polished, professional finish.
• Raglan armholes: The sleeves are shaped using raglan shaping, which involves strategic decreases that create diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline. This shaping technique provides a comfortable fit and elegant silhouette.
• Cable work: Decorative cable panels are incorporated into the design, adding textural interest and visual depth to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The Irma cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with more advanced stitch work:

• Stockinette stitch: Formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, creating the smooth, classic fabric base.
• Reverse stockinette stitch: Purl stitches on the right side create textural contrast and frame the cable panels.
• Cable stitches: Specifically, the pattern includes C7F (cable 7 front), which involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like textures. Cable panels measure 13 stitches wide and 3 cm in finished width, providing prominent decorative elements throughout the cardigan.
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) and K2tog tbl (knit two together through back loop) are used for raglan shaping, creating clean, directional decreases that guide the eye along the sleeve cap.
• Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches create elastic ribbed sections that provide structure and recovery at cuffs and edges.

Materials

The Rowan Irma is designed to be knitted with specific materials that contribute to its drape and wearability:

• Yarn: Rowan Alpaca Soft DK is the primary yarn used. This yarn weight is a light worsted or DK (double knitting) weight, providing a balance between drape and structure. The cardigan requires 9 to 13 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on the size being knitted, with the main color being Trench Coat (shade 202) and a single ball of Toffee (shade 203) for contrast or trim.
• Needles: The pattern calls for two needle sizes. Smaller 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for ribbed edgings and cuffs to create elasticity, while larger 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the main fabric. A cable needle is also required for manipulating stitches during cable work.
• Notions: Seven buttons (style BN1564 from Bedecked) are required for the front closure.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern stitch using 4mm needles. This tension measurement is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements. The cable panel specifically measures 3 centimeters in width when worked to the specified tension. Five size options are provided to accommodate a wide range of body measurements, from petite to larger sizes.