Rowan Parkham Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Parkham Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

Parkham is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is constructed as a structured, fitted cardigan available in five size options ranging from 81-86 cm to 122-127 cm bust measurements (32-34 inches to 48-50 inches). The finished cardigan features actual bust measurements from 103.5 cm to 147.5 cm (40¾ inches to 58 inches), providing ease for comfortable wear. The design includes button closure with six buttons and is suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Parkham cardigan is worked using several key knitting techniques that create its structured silhouette:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and a traditional garment-building approach
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating seamed sections
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing
• Cable details: Cable stitches are incorporated into the design, adding textural interest and visual depth to the garment
• Armhole shaping: Strategic decreases are worked at the armhole edges to create a fitted sleeve cap and proper garment structure
• Shoulder and neck shaping: Precise decreases and cast-offs shape the neckline and shoulders for proper fit and drape

Stitches Used

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

• Ribbed knit: A 2x2 rib pattern (alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches) forms the welts at the lower edge and cuffs, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Stockinette stitch: The main body of the cardigan is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), creating a smooth, classic fabric surface
• Cable stitches: Cable patterns are incorporated throughout the design, created by crossing groups of stitches over each other using a cable needle to add visual texture and traditional knitting detail

Materials and Specifications

The Parkham cardigan is designed to be knitted with specific materials and tools:

• Yarn: Softyak DK by Rowan, a double-knit weight yarn. The pattern requires 14-19 x 50 gram balls depending on size selected. The sample shown in the pattern is photographed in Plain 232
• Needles: One pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections, one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for main body stockinette stitch, one 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle at least 100 cm (40 inches) long for neckband work, and one cable needle for cable stitch manipulation
• Notions: Six BN1608 buttons from Bedecked for the cardigan front closure
• Tension: The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters measured in stockinette stitch on 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving proper garment dimensions

Construction Overview

The Parkham cardigan begins with casting on stitches for the back piece using 3¼mm needles. A 2x2 ribbed cuff is worked for 18 rows total, providing a neat, elastic edge. The needles are then changed to 4mm for the main body, and stockinette stitch is worked until the back reaches the desired length before armhole shaping. Armhole decreases are worked over multiple rows to create a fitted sleeve opening. The shoulders and back neck are shaped through strategic casting off and decreasing, with the back neck stitches held on a holder for later neckband attachment. The front pieces and sleeves are constructed using similar techniques with appropriate shaping for button bands and sleeve caps. All pieces are then seamed together and finished with a knitted neckband, creating a polished, professional cardigan suitable for various occasions and seasons.