Rowan Suisen Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Suisen Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Suisen is a knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Hatton, available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large to fit bust measurements of 81-127 cm. This is a classic cardigan construction featuring a structured silhouette with shaped shoulders and a finished neckline, suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Suisen cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then seamed together. The garment incorporates lace patterning as a decorative element, with instructions provided via a chart that repeats across the front and back pieces. The pattern uses a 10-stitch repeat that is worked across 7 to 11 times depending on the size being knitted.

The design features seamed construction, with individual pieces (back, left front, and right front) worked separately and then joined together. Shaping is incorporated throughout, including shoulder decreases and neck shaping to create a fitted garment. The cardigan begins with a garter stitch edge for stability, transitioning to stockinette stitch as the primary fabric.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g-st) – used for the initial foundation rows and edge detail
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary fabric throughout the body of the cardigan
• Lace pattern – worked from a chart with yarn overs and decreases to create an openwork design
• Decreases – including slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K1, psso) for shaping and lace decreases
• Cast-off stitches – used for binding off at shoulders and neckline

Materials Required

The Suisen cardigan is knitted using Rowan Cotton Lustre yarn, with 14 to 22 balls of 50-gram weight depending on size selection. The photographed sample is shown in the colorway Marigold 377. Two needle sizes are required: 5mm (US 8) needles for the initial cast-on and edge work, and 6mm (US 10) needles for the main fabric. The recommended tension is 17 stitches and 24 rows over 10 centimeters measured in stockinette stitch using the 6mm needles.

Pattern Notes and Considerations

This pattern includes specific guidance for working the lace elements: yarn overs should only be worked when there are sufficient stitches available to complete the corresponding decreases, ensuring the stitch count remains constant except where intentional shaping occurs. Due to the nature of Cotton Lustre yarn, the pattern recommends measuring the work while it hangs from the needles rather than laying it flat, as this gives a more accurate measurement of the finished garment.