Rowan Sedge Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Sedge Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Sedge is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is crafted to fit bust sizes ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements from 99 cm to 141 cm. The cardigan features a traditional button-front closure with nine buttons and includes functional patch pockets, making it a practical and stylish layering piece suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Sedge cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for straightforward shaping and fitting adjustments as you progress.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters comfortable with traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment, providing clean, professional-looking seams.
• Striped colorwork: The design incorporates horizontal stripes using three coordinating colors from the Rowan Moordale yarn range: Pepper (A), Bronzed (B), and Nutmeg (C). This striping technique adds visual depth and interest without requiring complex colorwork skills.
• Shaping techniques: The cardigan uses standard decreasing methods to shape armholes, create shoulder definition, and form the neckline. Pocket linings are worked separately and integrated into the front pieces for a polished finish.

Stitches Used

The Sedge cardigan is primarily constructed using fundamental knitting stitches that create a classic, timeless appearance:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): This is the main stitch throughout the body and sleeves, creating the smooth, flat fabric characteristic of traditional cardigans. Stockinette stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat.
• Ribbing: The pattern begins with ribbed sections (indicated by the notation K2, P2), which provide elasticity and a neat finish at cuffs, hems, and necklines. Ribbing helps the cardigan maintain its shape and fit snugly against the body.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Sedge cardigan is designed to be worked with Rowan Moordale yarn, a quality wool blend that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The yarn requirements vary by size but include three colors:

• Yarn A – Moordale Pepper (002): 4–6 x 100g balls, depending on size
• Yarn B – Moordale Bronzed (006): 1 x 100g ball for all sizes
• Yarn C – Moordale Nutmeg (011): 1 x 100g ball for all sizes

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles: Used for ribbed sections at the beginning of the pattern, creating a tighter, more elastic fabric.
• 4mm (US 6) needles: Used for the main body and sleeves worked in stockinette stitch, creating the primary fabric of the cardigan.

Additional notions include nine BN1564 buttons from Bedecked for the front closure. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF (reference ZB246-00010 v.1) and includes detailed schematic measurements and shaping instructions for all five size options.