Rowan Shantung Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Shantung Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Shantung is a knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Hatton. This garment is worked flat in pieces and seamed together, available in five size options to fit bust measurements of 81–86 cm (32–34 in) through 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with finished bust measurements ranging from 98 cm (38½ in) to 138 cm (54½ in). The cardigan features a sophisticated construction with set-in sleeves and a shaped back neck.

Techniques Used

The Shantung cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its elegant design:

• Lace patterning: The garment features a repeating 32-row lace pattern that forms the primary visual element. This pattern alternates between stockinette stitch sections and lace motifs, with decreases and yarn forwards carefully balanced throughout.
• Flat knitting: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for seamed construction.
• Seaming: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, creating clean, professional seams.
• Shaping: The cardigan includes sleeve cap shaping with incremental increases worked into the lace pattern, shoulder shaping with graduated cast-offs, and back neck shaping for a fitted neckline.
• Pattern integration: Increases and decreases are worked directly into the lace pattern repeat, requiring careful attention to ensure each decrease is matched by an increase to maintain stitch count and pattern integrity.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create the lace effect:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): Forms the base fabric sections between lace pattern repeats.
• Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches: The foundation stitches used throughout.
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in the lace pattern.
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (Sl 1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used in the lace pattern.
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Creates the eyelet holes characteristic of lace knitting, adding openness and visual interest to the fabric.

Materials

Yarn: The Shantung cardigan is knitted using Rowan Cotton Cashmere yarn. The pattern requires 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 balls of 50g (depending on size), photographed in the colorway Vintage Claret 217. This yarn blend provides a luxurious feel with the breathability of cotton and the softness of cashmere.

Needles and notions: The pattern calls for one pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbing and finishing, one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric, and a 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle at least 120 cm long for neckline finishing. Stitch markers are required to denote sleeve openings during construction.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm measured in the lace pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the cardigan to reach the intended finished measurements and for the lace pattern to display properly.