Rowan Saga Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Rowan Saga Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Saga is a women's cardigan featuring a two-part construction combining a knitted upper section with a crocheted skirt section. This intermediate-level garment is available in five sizes ranging from 81–86 cm to 122–127 cm bust measurements (32–34 inches to 48–50 inches). The design creates a sophisticated layered look with textured stitch patterns in both knitting and crochet techniques.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The upper section of the cardigan is constructed using knitting with stockinette stitch as the primary fabric. The pattern involves shaping techniques including neck decreases worked at the neck edge over multiple rows and cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows to create the neckline. The upper body is worked flat with separate shaping for each side of the neck, requiring careful attention to row direction and stitch alignment.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The skirt section employs crochet techniques worked from the cast-on edge of the knitted upper section. The pattern uses double crochet (dc) stitches for the foundation row, picking up approximately one double crochet stitch for each cast-on stitch of the upper section. The main skirt pattern is constructed using treble (tr) stitches with chain spaces (ch sp) creating an openwork lace-like texture. The repeating motif features paired trebles with chain spaces between them, interspersed with larger stitch clusters of two trebles, one chain, and two trebles into single spaces. This creates a decorative geometric pattern that repeats across the width of the skirt, with the pattern continuing in rows until the skirt reaches 20 cm in length from the pick-up row.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Rowan Tetra Cotton in quantities of 6, 6, 7, 8, or 9 x 50g balls depending on size
• Needles: One pair of 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles for the upper section
• Crochet Hook: 4.50 mm (US 7) crochet hook for the skirt section
• Notions: One button (Bedecked BN1620)

Tension and Gauge

Proper tension is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The knitted upper section should measure 23 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm over stockinette stitch using 4 mm needles. The crocheted skirt pattern requires 3 pattern repeats to 12.5 cm and 9 rows to 10 cm when worked with the 4.50 mm crochet hook. Achieving these gauges ensures the cardigan will fit properly across all five size options.

Pattern Construction Overview

The cardigan is designed with thoughtful integration of two distinct techniques. The knitted upper section provides structure and fitted shaping, while the crocheted skirt adds visual interest and movement through its openwork stitch pattern. The transition between the two sections occurs at the base of the upper section, where stitches are picked up and converted from knitting to crochet. This hybrid construction approach creates a garment with both tailored and decorative elements, making it suitable for intermediate crafters comfortable with both knitting and crochet fundamentals.