Rowan Wanderer Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Wanderer Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Wanderer Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Hatton. This garment is a versatile layering piece available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large, with finished widths from 45.5cm to 69.5cm and total lengths from 54cm to 62cm. The cardigan features a button front closure and is designed to be worn with a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row construction across separate pattern pieces.

The pattern employs several key shaping techniques throughout construction. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked at each end of successive rows, with the number of decrease rows varying by size (6 to 10 rows depending on the size). Shoulder and back neck shaping utilizes a combination of casting off stitches and paired decreases (knit 2 together and purl 2 together) to create a properly fitted neckline and shoulder line. These decreases are worked on alternating rows to create a smooth, tapered finish.

Stitches Used

The Wanderer Cardigan primarily features two main stitch patterns:

• Stocking Stitch (also called stockinette stitch): The main fabric of the cardigan body, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows on the right side. This produces the classic smooth, V-textured appearance characteristic of traditional knitwear.
• Double Moss Stitch: Used for the ribbed edging and lower front sections, this textured stitch provides elasticity and a refined finish. Double moss stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific pattern across multiple rows, creating a subtle, reversible texture.

The pattern incorporates paired decreases (knit 2 together and purl 2 together) for shaping the armholes, shoulders, and neckline, ensuring decreases are worked on both knit and purl rows as appropriate. Casting off is used to bind off stitches when completing the shoulder and neck shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Wanderer Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Lima yarn in the colorway Argentina 893. The pattern requires approximately 9 to 13 balls of 50-gram skeins, depending on the finished size selected, though yarn amounts are noted as approximate based on average requirements.

Two pairs of needles are required for construction:

• 5½mm (US 9) needles: Used for the main body fabric in stocking stitch
• 4½mm (US 7) needles: Used for the ribbed edging and double moss stitch sections

Additional notions include two stitch holders for managing stitches during shoulder and neck shaping, and one button for the front closure.

Pattern Structure

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces beginning with the back, which is worked flat in stocking stitch after an initial double moss stitch border. The back measures 32 to 36cm in length before armhole shaping begins. Left and right front pieces are worked separately, beginning with double moss stitch for the first 9 to 10cm before continuing in the same stitch pattern. Each piece is shaped independently, with armholes and shoulders decreased according to the specific size being knitted, then all pieces are seamed together to complete the garment.