Rowan Olsen Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Olsen Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Olsen is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with actual finished bust measurements from 112 cm to 152 cm. The cardigan features a traditional five-button front closure and includes functional patch pockets, making it both stylish and practical for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Olsen cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and sections are seamed together to create the finished garment. This construction method allows for precise shaping and the incorporation of design details such as pocket placement and front slope shaping.

The pattern includes several intermediate shaping techniques: raglan armhole shaping for fitted sleeves, front slope decreases to create a flattering neckline, and pocket lining integration where stitches are held on holders and replaced with pre-knitted pocket linings. Ribbed edging is worked at the lower edge and cuffs to provide structure and elasticity.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbing (K2, P2 rib) – used for the lower edge, cuffs, and front bands to add elasticity and definition
• Knit and purl decreases – including K2tog for raglan shaping and front slope decreases
• Stitch holders – used to hold stitches for pocket placement and construction

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan Olsen is designed to be worked in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, a durable and washable yarn. The pattern requires 7 x 100 gm balls of yarn (photographed in the colorway Lagoon 186). Knitters will need one pair of 4 mm (US 6) needles and one pair of 4½ mm (US 7) needles to accommodate the ribbed edging and main fabric respectively.

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 4½ mm needles. Five A0478 buttons from Groves and Banks are required for the front closure. Additional materials include stitch holders for pocket construction and yarn for seaming the pieces together.

Pattern Details

The cardigan begins with ribbed edging worked on the smaller needles, followed by a transition to the larger needles for the main stockinette stitch body. Pocket linings are pre-knitted and held on stitch holders, then integrated into the front pieces during construction. The front features a sloped neckline created through strategic decreases, while the back and sleeves incorporate raglan shaping for a fitted silhouette. The pattern is graded across five sizes with clear stitch counts provided for each size throughout the instructions.