Rowan Mild Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Rowan Mild Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

Rowan Mild is a cardigan pattern designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 107.5 to 147.5 cm (42¼ to 58 inches), providing comfortable ease for everyday wear. This is a structured cardigan suitable for various occasions and layering.

Craft and Construction Techniques

This pattern employs crochet as the primary construction method. The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment. The bottom-up construction method means you begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline, allowing for easy adjustments to length before completing the piece.

The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for armholes and shoulders. Armhole shaping involves decreasing stitches at regular intervals over multiple rows to create a fitted sleeve opening. Shoulder shaping is accomplished by fastening off and placing markers to denote the back neck and shoulder boundaries, ensuring proper fit and garment structure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern is worked using fundamental crochet stitches, with specific stitch pattern instructions provided within the main pattern sections. The foundation row establishes the base stitches, and subsequent rows follow a designated pattern throughout the body of the cardigan. The pattern maintains consistency across front and back pieces while accommodating shaping decreases at armholes and shoulders.

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Mild cardigan is designed to be worked with 5.00mm (US H8) crochet hook. Two yarn options are provided:

• Option 1: Island Blend (White) combined with Kidsilk Haze (Cream). Island Blend is used in quantities of 17–23 x 50gm balls depending on size, while Kidsilk Haze requires 12–16 x 25gm balls.
• Option 2: Island Blend (White) combined with Cashmere Haze (Polar Night). Island Blend quantities remain 17–23 x 50gm balls, with Cashmere Haze requiring 10–14 x 25gm balls.

Both yarn options involve holding one strand each of two yarns together throughout construction, creating a blended texture and appearance. This technique allows for subtle color variation and enhanced visual interest in the finished cardigan. The combination of yarns produces a fabric with both softness and structure suitable for a wearable cardigan.

Pattern Structure

The pattern includes separate instructions for the back, left front, and right front pieces. Each piece begins with a chain foundation and foundation row worked with the 5.00mm hook. The back and front pieces are worked straight until reaching the armhole, where decreasing occurs over multiple alternate rows. The left and right fronts mirror each other with reversed shaping to accommodate the cardigan's front opening. A collar is constructed using yarns held in reserve from the front pieces, worked after the main body is complete.