Rowan Jessica Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Jessica Cardigan by Linda Whaley

What is Being Made

The Rowan Jessica is a knitted cardigan designed for babies and toddlers, available in two versions: a cardigan with contrast trim and a plain cardigan. This intermediate-level knitting project features raglan armholes and is sized to fit ages 0–3 months through 2 years. The pattern includes button closures and decorative picot edging on the front bands.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with a picot cast-on, a decorative method that creates a delicate, scalloped edge along the front opening. The garment features raglan armhole shaping, which involves strategic decreases that create diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline, providing a comfortable and flattering fit for growing babies.

Decreasing techniques are central to the pattern, using both K2tog (knit two together) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) methods to shape the armholes and create symmetrical decreases on either side of the garment. The pattern maintains stitch integrity through careful shaping rows that alternate between decrease rows and purl rows, allowing the fabric to maintain its structure while reducing stitch counts progressively.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st) – Used for the lower body bands and trim, creating a textured, reversible fabric
• Stockinette Stitch (implied patt) – The primary stitch pattern for the main body of the cardigan
• K2tog (knit two together) – A right-leaning decrease used throughout armhole shaping
• Sl 1, K1, psso (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) – A left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• P2tog and P2tog tbl (purl decreases) – Used on wrong-side rows to maintain pattern continuity

Materials and Yarn

The Jessica cardigan is knitted using Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight suitable for delicate baby garments. The pattern offers two colorway options:

• Contrast Trim Version: Duck Egg (color 419) for the main body and Pure White (color 417) for the contrast trim, with yardage requirements ranging from 1–3 x 50gm balls of Duck Egg depending on size, plus 1 x 50gm of Pure White
• Plain Cardigan Version: Pure White (color 417) throughout, requiring 1–3 x 50gm balls depending on the child's age and size

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two pairs of needles to accommodate the gauge and construction method. 2¼mm (US 1) needles are used for the picot cast-on and initial edging work, while 3mm (US 2/3) needles are used for the main body once the garment is established. This needle size progression allows for a slightly tighter, more defined edge before transitioning to the main fabric.

The cardigan is finished with 4–6 buttons measuring 10mm, depending on the size being made. These buttons secure the front opening and are positioned along the contrast or plain trim band.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern is worked to a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the pattern stitch using 3mm (US 2/3) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in baby garments where sizing is critical. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions with specific stitch counts for each of the six size options, ensuring accurate construction from newborn through toddler stages.

Pattern reference: ZB196-00011. Designed by Linda Whaley. © Copyright MEZ Crafts UK Ltd., 2019. Additional pattern information available on knitrowan.com.