Rowan Rowan Yarns Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Yarns Cardigan and Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

This pattern from Rowan Yarns offers designs for both a cardigan and a sweater, available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 81-97 cm (32-38 in), 97-112 cm (38-44 in), and 112-127 cm (44-50 in). The finished garments feature actual bust measurements of 120 cm (47 in), 132 cm (52 in), and 144 cm (56½ in) respectively. Both pieces showcase a sophisticated patterned design worked in stockinette stitch, making them versatile layering pieces suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create professional-quality garments:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, beginning with the back piece and progressing through the body before shaping shoulders and neckline
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are knitted flat and then seamed together to form the finished garment
• Worked flat: All pattern pieces are created on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern work and shaping
• Intarsia technique: The pattern incorporates intarsia colorwork, a method used to create large design areas with multiple colors by carrying yarn across the back only where needed, resulting in a single-thickness fabric with no bulk from carried yarns

Stitches Used

The construction relies on fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Ribbed edging: A 2x2 rib (alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches) forms the lower edge and creates elasticity for a fitted finish. The ribbing is worked for 16 rows total before transitioning to the main pattern
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric throughout the garment body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, providing a smooth, classic appearance
• Pattern stitches: Detailed colorwork patterns are worked entirely in stockinette stitch using an intarsia chart system, allowing for complex multi-color designs without the bulk of traditional Fair Isle techniques

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, a durable and easy-care wool yarn available in a rich palette of colors. For the sweater, yarn quantities include A Gold (133) at 1 x 100gm, B Damson (150) at 3 x 100gm, and C Electric (143) at 1 x 100gm. Additional color options for pattern work include D Pretty Pink (113), E Olive (125), F Lagoon (186), G Rich Red (124), H Moonstone (112), I Oxygen (137), and J Charcoal Grey (155), with quantities varying by size. The cardigan uses colors A, E, and I Moonstone (112).

Needles: The pattern requires 1 pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for the ribbed cuff, and 1 pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main body. A 4mm (US 6) circular needle no longer than 40 cm is used for sweater necklines, or a circular needle of at least 100 cm for cardigan buttonbands.

Tension: Achieving the correct gauge is essential: 20 stitches and 25 rows measured over 10 cm using the 4½mm (US 7) needles in patterned stockinette stitch ensures the garment will fit as designed.

Additional notions: The cardigan version requires 5 buttons (reference 39551 from Groves and Banks) for closure.

Pattern Structure and Shaping

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 118 [130: 142] stitches worked in 2x2 rib, with one stitch increased at each end of the final rib row to create 120 [132: 144] stitches for the body. The pattern continues in stockinette stitch following an intarsia chart for approximately 66 cm in length before shoulder and neckline shaping begins. Shoulder shaping is achieved through successive cast-off rows, while the back neckline is formed by dividing the stitches and working each shoulder separately,