Rowan Shaded Flower Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Shaded Flower Cardigan by Kaffe Fassett

What Is Being Made

The Shaded Flower is a knitted cardigan designed by renowned colorwork artist Kaffe Fassett for Rowan. This garment is available in eight sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 82 cm to 117 cm (32 to 46 inches). The cardigan features a sophisticated button-front closure with nine 12mm buttons and is constructed as a classic, wearable piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Method and Techniques

This cardigan is worked flat on straight needles and constructed bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment pieces are seamed together after individual components are completed. The design incorporates stranded colorwork (also known as fairisle technique), which involves carrying multiple yarn colors across rows to create intricate patterned sections. The pattern repeat spans 34 rows and is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, allowing the colorwork design to be the visual focal point.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Shaded Flower cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The stranded fairisle technique is employed to integrate multiple yarn colors within the stockinette base. Shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at armhole edges and decreases worked at specific intervals to create proper garment fit and silhouette. The neckline is finished with separate shaping for each side, with stitches held on holders during construction for a refined neckline treatment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Shaded Flower cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Felted Tweed, a premium yarn choice that provides excellent stitch definition for colorwork projects. The pattern calls for five coordinating yarn colors in the Rowan Felted Tweed range:

• Yarn A – Phantom 153: 5 to 7 x 50gm balls depending on size
• Yarn B – Rage 150: 1 to 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn C – Sigh 148: 1 to 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn D – Melody 142: 2 x 50gm balls (all sizes)
• Yarn E – Pine 158: 1 x 50gm ball (all sizes)

Two needle sizes are required: 3¾mm (US 5, UK size 9) needles for working the main fabric and colorwork pattern, and 3mm (US 2/3, UK size 11) circular needles for neckline finishing. The recommended tension is 27 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the patterned stockinette stitch using the larger needles, ensuring proper garment dimensions and drape.

Pattern Structure

The cardigan comprises a back piece, left front, and right front, each worked from a chart that guides the colorwork placement. The back is worked straight until armhole shaping begins, then both front pieces are shaped simultaneously at the armholes with decreases worked over multiple rows. The neckline shaping involves casting off center stitches and completing each shoulder separately with additional cast-offs for a graduated neckline curve. This structured approach ensures balanced, professional-looking construction throughout the garment.