Rowan Oslo Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Oslo Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Oslo is a knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Hatton, available in four sizes to fit bust measurements of 81-86cm (32-34in), 91-97cm (36-38in), 102-107cm (40-42in), and 112-117cm (44-46in). This is a classic cardigan construction featuring a structured silhouette with shaped armholes and neckline shaping for a tailored fit.

Knitting Techniques

The Oslo cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its polished appearance:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, beginning with casting on stitches for the back piece and progressing through the body to the armholes and shoulders.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming to join the garment pieces together.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished cardigan, providing clean, professional finishing.
• Cable Details: The pattern incorporates cable stitches as a design element, adding texture and visual interest to the garment.
• Shaping Techniques: Strategic decreasing is used to create shaped armholes, neck shaping, and shoulder shaping, resulting in a well-fitted garment that follows body contours.

Stitches Used

The Oslo cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative cable work:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric surface.
• Cable Stitches: Decorative cable patterns are incorporated throughout the design, requiring a cable needle to create the twisted, rope-like texture characteristic of cable knitting.

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Oslo requires specific needles and yarn to achieve the correct gauge and finished fabric:

• Yarn: Rowan Cocoon, a luxurious yarn choice, with 7-10 balls of 100gm required depending on size. The pattern was photographed in Alpine 802, though other colorways from the Rowan range are available.
• Needles: Two pairs of needles are needed—6mm (US size 10) needles for ribbing or cuff work and 7mm (US size 10½) needles for the main body. A cable needle is also required for working the cable stitches.
• Notions: Five press stud fasteners are needed to close the cardigan front, providing a secure and adjustable closure.

Pattern Structure and Finishing

The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions for constructing the back, fronts, and sleeves with precise measurements at each stage. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by decreasing at armhole edges over multiple rows. Neck shaping is worked on the front pieces with decreases at the neck edge, while back neck shaping creates the proper neckline depth. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through casting off groups of stitches at the shoulder edges. The cardigan is designed to be worn with a finished length that varies by size, with armhole depths ranging from 17-19cm depending on the size selected.