Rowan Torr Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Torr Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Torr is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is constructed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), with the actual finished bust measurements spanning from 118 cm to 158 cm depending on size selection. The cardigan features a sophisticated design that combines traditional ribbed detailing with cable pattern work throughout the body.

Techniques Used

The Torr cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for seaming at the side seams and other edges. The cardigan uses a seamed construction, with individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) knitted separately and then joined together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques. This approach provides clean, professional finishing and allows for precise shaping at the armholes and neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Torr features cable stitches as a primary design element. The pattern includes a special abbreviation for C6B (cable 6 back), which involves slipping 3 stitches onto a cable needle and holding them at the back of work while knitting the next 3 stitches, then knitting the stitches from the cable needle. This creates the characteristic twisted rope-like texture associated with cable knitting.

The cardigan also incorporates ribbed stitching for structure and elasticity, particularly at the lower edges and button bands. The pattern specifies a 2x2 rib (alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches) and a 1x1 rib (alternating single knit and purl stitches) in various sections. Additional stitch techniques include make one (M1) increases for shaping the garment from the ribbed cuff sections into the wider patterned body sections.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Torr is designed to be knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn in the colorway Pepper 002 (as shown in the photographed sample). Depending on the size being made, the pattern requires between 7 and 10 balls of 100-gram skeins of Moordale yarn, with larger sizes requiring more yardage.

The pattern calls for two sizes of needles: 3¼mm (US size 3) needles and 4mm (US size 6) needles. The smaller needles are used for the initial ribbed sections at the cuffs and edges, which creates a tighter, more elastic fabric. The larger needles are then used for the main body pattern work. A cable needle is also required for working the cable stitches throughout the design.

Tension and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the cardigan to fit properly across the bust and to have the correct length. The pattern provides multiple size options to accommodate different body measurements, with detailed shaping instructions for shoulders and neckline across all five size ranges.