Rowan Pipefish Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Pipefish Cardigan: Knitted Striped Design

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Pipefish is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey, available in five sizes ranging from 81–86 cm to 122–127 cm bust (32–34 in to 48–50 in). The finished garment measures 90–131.5 cm across the bust, offering a comfortable fit across multiple sizing options. This is a classic cardigan construction suitable for intermediate knitters.

Construction Method

The Pipefish cardigan is worked bottom-up in separate pieces that are later seamed together. The body and sleeves are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern work. This traditional approach makes it easier to manage increases, decreases, and armhole shaping throughout the garment.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The cardigan features a distinctive striped border pattern at the lower edge, created by alternating between multiple yarn colors in a structured repeat. The border pattern is established over 8 rows and worked for an additional 21 rows, creating a bold decorative band. Following the striped border, the main body is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) using a single yarn color throughout the remainder of the garment.

Shaping is integral to the design: the pattern includes strategic increases worked into the border section to establish the correct stitch count for the body, armhole decreases to create proper sleeve cap depth, and shoulder shaping with stepped cast-offs for a professional finish. Back neck shaping is worked on both sides separately to create a finished neckline.

Yarn and Materials

The Pipefish cardigan is knitted using Rowan Summerlite 4ply, a lightweight yarn available in four colors:

• Still Grey 422 – main color (4–6 x 50gm depending on size)
• Sand Dune 438 – stripe color (1 x 50gm)
• Anchor Grey 446 – stripe color (1 x 50gm)
• Duck Egg 419 – stripe color (1 x 50gm)

The 4ply weight provides a refined drape suitable for a sophisticated cardigan. Knitting needles required are 3mm (US 2/3) straight needles for the main fabric, with a 3mm circular needle at least 100–120 cm long (depending on size) for neckband work. This needle size is standard for 4ply yarn and ensures proper gauge and fabric integrity.

Skill Level and Pattern Reference

This pattern is designated as an intermediate project, reflecting the combination of basic stitch work with more advanced shaping techniques. The pattern reference is ZB248-00008, designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. Additional yarn information and pattern support are available on knitrowan.com.