Rowan Lara Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Lara Cardigan by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Rowan Lara is a beginner-friendly cardigan pattern designed by Quail Studio. This knitted cardigan features a classic construction with separate front and back pieces, shaping at the neck and shoulders for a tailored fit. The design is available in six sizes, ranging from 28-30 inches to 48-50 inches bust measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction includes ribbed edging worked at the lower edges to create elasticity and definition. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Shaping techniques are incorporated throughout, including strategic increases along the front edges and decreases at the neck and shoulder areas to create the cardigan's fitted silhouette. The pattern uses the technique of working each side of the neck separately after dividing stitches, a common method for creating neckline shaping in cardigan construction.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the main body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Ribbing: A combination of knit and purl stitches in a 2x1 pattern (K2, P1 repeat) used for the cuff and waistband areas to provide stretch and recovery
• Increases: Single stitch increases worked at specific intervals to shape the front edges and create the cardigan's silhouette
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at the neck edges to shape the neckline
• Cast off: Used to bind off stitches and finish edges

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Lara cardigan is worked using Rowan Big Wool yarn, a chunky-weight yarn that creates a quick-knitting, substantial fabric. The pattern requires 10 balls of 100-gram skeins (photographed in the colorway Glum 056). Three needle sizes are required: 9mm (US 13) straight needles for casting on and working the ribbed sections, 10mm (US 15) straight needles for the main stockinette stitch body, and a 9mm (US 13) circular needle for certain construction steps. The recommended tension is 10 stitches and 10 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 10mm needles, which is a relatively loose gauge typical of bulky yarn projects.

Pattern Characteristics

The Rowan Lara features multiple size options with graduated measurements, allowing knitters to customize the fit. The back piece is constructed first, followed by the left and right fronts, with careful shaping at the back neck and shoulder areas. The ribbed edging provides structure and a professional finish, while the stockinette stitch body showcases the texture and color of the Big Wool yarn. This beginner-level pattern is ideal for knitters developing their skills in garment construction, shaping techniques, and working with bulky yarns.