Rowan Paris Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Paris Cardigan by Kim Hargreaves

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Paris is a women's cardigan designed by Kim Hargreaves, available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL to fit bust measurements of 81 cm (32 in) through 102 cm (40 in). This is a sophisticated layering piece that combines classic construction with decorative lace detailing, creating an elegant garment suitable for various occasions.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Paris cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seamed construction. The finished pieces are seamed together to create the final garment shape. This method provides excellent control over fit and shaping, particularly important for a tailored cardigan silhouette.

The cardigan features a two-section construction: a lower ribbed section and an upper lace-patterned section. The lower section is worked in rib stitch to create a fitted, elastic waistband. The upper section introduces lace patterning, which adds visual interest and sophistication to the design while maintaining breathability in the fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Ribbing: Used in the lower section to create elasticity and a neat, fitted edge
• Stockinette stitch: The foundation fabric, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Lace stitches: The upper section features a repeating 16-row lace pattern incorporating K2tog (knit two together) decreases paired with yfwd (yarn forward) increases to create openwork motifs
• Make one (M1) increases: Used for shaping side seams, creating new stitches without visible holes
• Purl stitches: Used on wrong-side rows and strategically in the pattern

The lace pattern repeats every 16 rows and is worked across the width of the garment with size-specific stitch counts to maintain pattern alignment. The pattern includes shaping instructions that integrate seamlessly with the lace motif, requiring the knitter to maintain pattern continuity while increasing stitches for armhole and side seam shaping.

Materials and Gauge

The Paris cardigan is designed to be knitted in Rowan Denim yarn (photographed in the colorway Tennessee 231). Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 11 x 50g balls for the smallest size to 14 x 50g balls for the largest size.

Two needle sizes are required for this project:

• 3¾mm (US 5) needles: Used for the ribbed lower section and as a circular needle for certain techniques
• 4mm (US 6) needles: Used for the upper lace section

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using 4mm needles. An important note regarding Rowan Denim yarn: the fabric will shrink in length when washed for the first time. The pattern includes allowances for this shrinkage, and finished measurements after washing differ from pre-wash measurements, making it essential to follow the provided size diagram for accurate finished dimensions.

Additional materials include a hook and eye fastener for the cardigan closure, completing this refined garment design.