Rowan Kyle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Kyle Cardigan by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

The Rowan Kyle is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Marie Wallin. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to XXL, with bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The cardigan features a traditional button-front closure with ribbed front bands and is constructed as a structured, tailored piece suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques

The Kyle cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, beginning with the back piece and progressing through the front and sleeve sections.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are completed separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques to create the finished garment.
• Shaping techniques: Strategic increases and decreases are incorporated at side seams and shoulder lines to create a fitted silhouette. Shoulder shaping is achieved through progressive cast-offs to create sloped shoulders, while neck shaping uses decreases worked over multiple rows to create a gradual curve.
• Front band construction: The front bands are worked separately and held on stitch holders during the main body construction, then picked up and worked to complete the button bands.

Stitches Used

The Kyle cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches to create its classic appearance:

• Garter stitch (g st): Used for the lower edge ribbing on the back piece, creating a textured, elastic border that provides structure and prevents curling.
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the main body of the cardigan, worked in knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side to create a smooth, classic fabric surface.
• Ribbed pattern (P2, K2): A two-by-two rib pattern is featured on the front bands, providing elasticity and a refined finish at the front opening.

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Kyle cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Pure Wool Worsted yarn. The pattern requires 6 x 100 gm balls of yarn (the photographed version is shown in Rust 106). The yarn is worked at a specific tension of 20 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch.

Two sets of needles are required for this project: 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the ribbed cast-on and initial rows, and 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. The change in needle size creates a subtle transition and helps maintain proper gauge throughout the garment.

The cardigan is completed with 2 RW5019 buttons from Bedecked and 4 stud fasteners, providing both functional and decorative closure elements.

Construction Details

The Kyle cardigan follows a methodical construction sequence. The back piece is cast on and worked in garter stitch for the first six rows to establish a stable edge, then transitions to stockinette stitch on larger needles. Side seams are shaped with strategic increases worked on the 21st row and every 24th row thereafter. The front pieces mirror the back shaping while incorporating additional neck shaping through progressive decreases worked over multiple rows. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through a series of cast-offs that gradually reduce stitch counts, creating sloped shoulders that sit naturally on the body. The front bands, worked in ribbed pattern, are picked up from held stitches and completed to frame the front opening.