Rowan Simple Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Simple Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Rowan Simple Cardigan is a baby cardigan designed by Quail Studio, available in five sizes ranging from 0-3 months through 12-18 months. This is a classic button-front cardigan suitable for infants, featuring a straightforward construction method that makes it accessible to knitters with basic to intermediate skills.

Craft and Construction Method

This cardigan is created using the knitting craft. The garment is constructed bottom-up, meaning you begin knitting from the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished pieces are then seamed together to create the complete garment. This traditional approach allows for straightforward shaping and finishing.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Moss stitch (K1, P1 alternating pattern) is used for the ribbed cuff sections, creating a textured elastic edge that measures 2cm (¾ inch) in depth
• Stocking stitch forms the main body fabric, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth knitted appearance
• Decreasing techniques including K2tog (knit two together) and Sl 1, K1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) are used to shape the armholes and neckline
• Cast off (binding off) secures stitches at completion
• Stitch holders are used to temporarily hold stitches during neckline shaping

Pattern Structure and Shaping

The cardigan consists of a back piece and two front pieces. The back begins with 52-70 stitches depending on size, while each front piece is shaped independently. Armhole shaping is achieved by casting off 3 stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked at the armhole edges. Neckline shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases that taper the neck opening to approximately 8-17 stitches depending on the size selected. The garment features a button band front closure with provisions for 5 medium-sized buttons.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The cardigan is worked in Baby Merino Silk DK yarn in the colorway Shell Pink 674. The yardage requirement ranges from 2 to 4 balls of 50g each, depending on the size being knitted. Two needle sizes are required: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuff sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body worked in stocking stitch. The pattern specifies a tension (gauge) of 22 stitches and 30 rows measured over 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using the 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment size.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires stitch holders for managing stitches during neckline shaping and 5 medium-sized buttons for the front closure.