Rowan Sammy Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Sammy Cardigan by Grace Jones

What is Being Made

The Rowan Sammy is a knitted cardigan designed for babies and young children, available in seven size options ranging from 0-3 months through 3 years. The garment features a classic button-front closure with four to five buttons depending on size. The actual chest measurements range from 55.5 cm (21¾ inches) for the smallest size to 67.5 cm (26½ inches) for the largest size, making it a versatile piece for growing infants and toddlers.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the pieces are knitted starting from the lower edges and worked upward before being assembled together. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional shaping and seaming at the side seams and sleeve caps. The construction includes armhole shaping achieved through strategic decreases, and the pattern incorporates both stockinette sections and textured stitch patterns to create visual interest and structure.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is double moss stitch, which forms the foundation of the cardigan's texture. Double moss stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a two-row repeat pattern (Row 1: K1, P1 repeated; Row 2: P1, K1 repeated), producing a dense, reversible fabric with excellent drape and elasticity. This stitch is worked for an extended section before transitioning to a stripe pattern that alternates between knit and purl rows. The pattern also employs standard decreasing techniques including slip stitch, knit two together (K2tog), and purl two together (P2tog) for shaping armholes and the front neckline.

Materials

The Rowan Sammy is designed to be knitted with Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino yarn, a soft and luxurious blend ideal for delicate baby garments. The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 4 to 7 balls of 50-gram skeins. The pattern specifies two needle sizes: 2¾mm (US 2) needles for ribbed or edging sections and 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the main body. The tension is measured at 27 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters over double moss stitch, and 25 stitches and 49 rows to 10 centimeters over the stripe pattern, both using the 3¼mm needles. The cardigan is finished with four to five BF 8147 buttons measuring 20mm from Groves, depending on the size being made.