Rowan Usk Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Usk Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Usk is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL to fit chest measurements from 38 to 50 inches (97 to 127 cm). This is a classic cardigan construction featuring button-front closure with six buttons and shaping through the body for a fitted silhouette.

Knitting Techniques

The Usk cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom upward, allowing for easy length adjustments and straightforward shaping
• Worked flat: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters comfortable with traditional flat knitting methods
• Seamed construction: The individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean finishing and professional results
• Cable work: The pattern incorporates cable stitches as a decorative element, adding textural depth and visual appeal to the finished garment
• Armhole and shoulder shaping: The pattern includes structured shaping with cast-off stitches and graduated decreases to create properly fitted armholes and shoulders
• Front slope shaping: The front pieces feature angled shaping along the front edge to accommodate the button band and create a flattering neckline

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rowan Usk uses charted stitch patterns that combine cable stitches with other techniques. The pattern is worked from a chart, with rows 1 to 16 repeated twice, followed by rows 17 to 32 repeating throughout the body of the garment. The cable abbreviation C2B (cable 2 back) is used, indicating that cables are a primary design element. The pattern maintains correct stitch counts through shaping by working decreases and cast-offs at strategic points while keeping the pattern repeat accurate.

Materials and Yarn

The Rowan Usk is designed to be knitted with Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 12 to 19 balls of 50-gram yarn (photographed in the colorway Nook 260). This yarn choice creates a soft, textured fabric with excellent drape suitable for a cardigan.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to create proper fabric tension and structure:

• 6mm (US 10) needles: Used for the main body of the cardigan
• 5mm (US 8) circular needle, 100cm long: Used for finishing edges and the button band

Additional notions include six BN1386 buttons from Bedecked for the front closure and a cable needle for working cable stitches.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 20 stitches and 20 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the stitch pattern using 6mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all seven size options. The cardigan features carefully calculated armhole depths ranging from 19 to 28 centimeters depending on size, ensuring appropriate proportions for each size range.