Rowan Snowy Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Snowy Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Snowy is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with finished bust measurements from 113 cm (44½ in) to 153 cm (60 in). The cardigan features a button front closure with four buttons, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Snowy cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edges upward and then assembled using seaming techniques. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row construction of the back, fronts, and sleeves as separate components before joining.

The pattern incorporates several intermediate knitting techniques. The front opening features a ribbed band that remains in rib pattern while the main body transitions to stockinette stitch, creating a structured edge. Pocket linings are worked separately and integrated into the garment during construction. Shaping is achieved through decreases worked symmetrically on the left front, using standard decrease methods (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over and knit two together) to create fitted shaping.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) – The primary stitch for the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbed Pattern (rib patt) – Used for the cuffs, waistband, and front opening band to provide elasticity and structure
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches – The fundamental stitches forming the ribbed sections
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, K1, psso) – A left-leaning decrease used for fitted shaping
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for fitted shaping

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Snowy is knitted using Rowan Cocoon yarn, a luxurious and warm fiber choice. The pattern requires 11 to 15 balls of 100-gram yarn depending on the size being made (photographed in the colorway Breeze). Knitting is worked on 7mm (US 10½) needles, which are sized to achieve the specified tension of 14 stitches and 16 rows over 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch. The cardigan is finished with four BN1108 buttons from Bedecked, providing a polished closure for the front opening.

Additional materials include stitch holders for managing active stitches during construction, particularly for the pocket linings and other sections that require temporary stitch storage during the seaming process.