Rowan Rhythm Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Rhythm Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Rhythm is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic cardigan silhouette with button-front closure and raglan armhole shaping.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The pattern features ribbed edging at the lower hem and cuffs, created through alternating knit and purl stitches. Raglan armhole shaping is a key construction method, with decreases worked progressively along the armhole edges to create the characteristic sloped shoulder line. The pattern also incorporates front slope shaping on the left and right front pieces, requiring decreases worked at different intervals—some on consecutive rows and others on alternate rows or every fourth row. Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric body, providing a smooth, classic finish. The pattern demonstrates intermediate-level shaping complexity through the simultaneous decreasing at multiple edges (raglan armhole and front slope) that must be coordinated across different rows.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the cardigan body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Ribbing (K1, P1): Used for the welts and cuffs to create elasticity and a fitted edge
• Slip stitch decreases: Techniques such as slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K2tog, psso) and slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) for refined edge decreases
• Knit 2 together (K2tog): A standard decrease stitch used throughout the armhole and front slope shaping
• Cast off: Used to bind off stitches at armhole edges

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan Rhythm cardigan is knitted using Rowan Island Blend yarn in 50-gram balls. Yardage requirements range from 8 balls for the smallest size to 12 balls for the largest size. The yarn is worked on 4mm (US 6) needles—specifically, one pair of straight needles and one 4mm circular needle at least 120 cm long for seamless construction or finishing. The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment measurements. The cardigan is finished with six buttons (BN1337 from Bedecked) for the front closure.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized by garment piece, with detailed instructions for the left front, right front, back, and sleeves. Each piece begins with cast-on stitches that vary by size, followed by ribbed welts worked over multiple rows. The main body is then worked in stockinette stitch with strategic shaping increases or decreases at specific points. The raglan armhole shaping is a multi-step process, with initial cast-offs followed by decreases worked over consecutive rows and then alternate rows, requiring careful attention to the pattern instructions for each size.