Rowan Lee Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Lee Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Lee is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is constructed as a button-front cardigan available in six sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). The cardigan features a traditional five-button closure and is worked in a timeless double moss stitch pattern, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques that create a well-finished garment:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the lower edge upward, beginning with the back piece and progressing through the front panels and sleeves
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join the completed sections
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces are sewn together to create the finished garment, allowing for precise shaping and professional finishing
• Cable needle work: A cable needle is required, indicating the presence of cable detailing within the design
• Armhole shaping: The pattern includes progressive decreasing at the armholes to create proper sleeve cap fit, with cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by decreases worked at the edges
• Shoulder shaping: Structured shoulder shaping is achieved through stepped cast-offs to create a neat, tailored neckline

Stitches Used

Ribbed edging: The cardigan begins with a ribbed cuff worked in knit one through the back loop and purl stitches, creating an elastic edge that hugs the body. This rib section is worked for 20 rows total using 3¼mm needles.

Double moss stitch pattern: The main body of the cardigan is worked in double moss stitch, a textured reversible pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a four-row repeat. This stitch creates visual interest while remaining relatively simple to execute, making it accessible to knitters with intermediate skill levels. The double moss stitch provides subtle texture and excellent drape.

Materials and Gauge

The Rowan Lee cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Softyak DK yarn, a double knitting weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for the textured pattern work. Yarn quantities range from 12 x 50g balls for the smallest size to 20 x 50g balls for the largest size. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Submarine 251.

Two pairs of needles are required: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed edging and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body. A cable needle is also needed for cable work elements. The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the double moss stitch pattern using the 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

The cardigan is fastened with five BN1367 buttons measuring 2.2 centimeters, available from Bedecked.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The back piece is cast on with 105 to 165 stitches depending on size, with the actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranging from 91.5 cm to 143.5 cm. The cardigan features a length of approximately 44 to 46.5 centimeters from cast-on edge to armhole, providing a classic cardigan length suitable for layering. Armhole depth ranges from 19 to 26.5 centimeters across the size range, ensuring proper proportions for each size. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for armholes, shoulders, and back neck, with specific decrease sequences to create a professional finish.