Rowan Toronto Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Toronto Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Toronto is a sophisticated cardigan jacket designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large to fit bust measurements from 81 to 127 centimeters (32 to 50 inches). This is a classic wardrobe piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Construction Technique

The Toronto cardigan is constructed using the bottom-up method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, and the finished pieces are seamed together to create the final garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and professional finishing details.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Toronto features an intricate slip-stitch colorwork pattern that creates visual interest and texture throughout the design. The pattern employs multiple techniques including:

• Slip stitches worked with yarn positioned at the back (wyab) and at the front (wyaf) of the work to create the colorwork effect
• Knit stitches and purl stitches as foundational elements
• Yarn overs and decreases such as K2tog (knit two together) for shaping

The slip-stitch pattern is worked over multiple rows in a repeating sequence, alternating between different yarn combinations to build the design. This technique creates a fabric with excellent drape and interesting surface texture without the bulk that traditional stranded colorwork might produce.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Toronto cardigan uses a combination of Rowan Felted Tweed and Rowan Mohair Haze yarns in a carefully coordinated four-color palette:

• Yarn A: Rowan Felted Tweed in Avocado (color 161) – 4 to 6 x 50-gram balls depending on size
• Yarn B: Rowan Felted Tweed in Carbon (color 159) – 4 to 6 x 50-gram balls depending on size
• Yarn C: Rowan Mohair Haze in Hug (color 524) – 7 to 10 x 25-gram balls depending on size
• Yarn D: Rowan Mohair Haze in Caring (color 529) – 7 to 9 x 25-gram balls depending on size

The pattern calls for 5mm (US size 8) circular needles measuring at least 80 centimeters in length. Circular needles are used here for their versatility in managing the flat knitting of larger pieces, even though the work is not done in the round.

Gauge and Finished Fabric

The recommended tension is 17 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) when measured over the slip-stitch pattern using 5mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the garment drapes as intended. The combination of Felted Tweed and Mohair Haze creates a fabric with excellent warmth and a subtle fuzzy halo effect from the mohair component.