Rowan Tivoli Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Tivoli Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Tivoli is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, beginning with the back and front pieces worked from the cast-on edge upward, followed by the addition of sleeves and finishing details. The cardigan features a button-front closure with nine buttons and is available in five size options ranging from 81-86 cm to 122-127 cm bust measurements (32-34 inches to 48-50 inches).

Techniques Used

The Tivoli cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structure and visual interest. The bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed. Cable knitting is a primary design feature, creating textured, dimensional patterns throughout the garment. The pattern incorporates shaping techniques including strategic cast-offs and decreases to form armholes and shoulders, ensuring proper fit across the bust and shoulders. Stitch manipulation is used at the neckline to create a finished edge, with stitches held on holders during construction to allow for seamless integration of different sections.

Stitches Used

The Tivoli cardigan is worked primarily in stockinette stitch as the base fabric, with cable stitches creating the decorative patterning. The pattern is charted, meaning knitters follow a visual grid representation of stitches across rows 1 through 48, with rows 21 to 48 repeating throughout the body of the garment. The cable work requires the use of a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while crossing them over or under adjacent stitches, creating the characteristic twisted rope-like texture of cable patterns. Decreasing techniques are employed at armholes and necklines to shape the garment properly.

Materials

The Rowan Tivoli is designed to be knitted using Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted yarn, a durable and easy-care wool option. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 10 to 14 x 100-gram balls depending on the finished bust measurement selected. The pattern photographed sample is shown in the colorway Moonstone 112.

Two sizes of needles are required for construction: 4mm (US 6) needles for the initial cast-on and ribbing sections, and 4½mm (US 7) needles for the main body fabric. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitch patterns throughout the design. The pattern specifies nine buttons (A0454 from Groves and Banks) for the front closure.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern requires a tension of 34 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the cable pattern using 4½mm (US 7) needles. Achieving the correct tension is critical for obtaining the proper finished measurements. The cardigan is graded across five sizes with actual bust measurements ranging from 100 cm to 140 cm (39½ inches to 55 inches), accommodating a wide range of body types.