Rowan Wetherlam Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rowan Wetherlam Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Wetherlam is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson. This garment is available in five size options to fit bust measurements of 81-86 cm, 91-97 cm, 102-107 cm, 112-117 cm, and 122-127 cm (32-34 in, 36-38 in, 40-42 in, 44-46 in, and 48-50 in respectively). The finished cardigan features an actual bust measurement ranging from 98.5 cm to 138.5 cm (38¾ in to 54½ in) depending on the size selected. The design includes a hood, front button closure with nine buttons, and functional patch pockets with linings.

Techniques Used

The Wetherlam cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming to join pieces together. The cardigan is knitted bottom-up, meaning construction begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the shoulders and neckline. Cable stitch patterns are incorporated throughout the design as a decorative and textural element. The armholes are shaped through strategic decreases, and the shoulders are formed using a combination of cast-offs and decreasing techniques. The hood is constructed by placing stitches on a holder at the back neck and working them separately. Patch pockets are added with separate pocket linings that are knitted as individual pieces before being incorporated into the main garment. All pieces are ultimately seamed together to create the finished cardigan.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used in the Wetherlam is a ribbed cable pattern. The rib pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in a structured sequence: P1, K2, *P2, K2, rep from * to last st, P1 on right-side rows, with the reverse on wrong-side rows. This ribbed cable pattern is maintained throughout the body of the cardigan and must be kept correct while shaping the armholes and shoulders. The pocket linings are also worked in the same rib pattern to ensure consistency and proper texture. Cable techniques are employed to create raised, twisted stitch patterns that add visual interest and dimension to the finished garment.

Materials

The Rowan Wetherlam requires Rowan Moordale yarn in a weight of 100 grams per ball. The pattern calls for 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 balls depending on the size being knitted, with the photographed sample shown in the Blue Moor colorway (shade 00008). Additional yarn information is available on knitrowan.com.

Two pairs of needles are required to complete this project. A 3¼mm (US 3) needle (UK size 10) is used for ribbed sections, while a 4mm (US 6) needle (UK size 8) is used for the main pattern work. A cable needle is necessary for working the cable stitch patterns throughout the cardigan. The pattern also specifies nine BN1108 buttons from Bedecked for the front closure.

Pattern Details

The pattern is worked to a tension of 28 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 garment to fit properly according to the finished measurements provided. The back piece is worked straight until it measures between 74 and 76 centimeters depending on size, at which point armhole shaping begins. Armhole decreases are worked over multiple rows to create a properly fitted sleeve opening. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for the shoulders and back neck, with stitches placed on holders for the hood construction. Pocket linings measure 20 centimeters in length and are worked in rib before being attached to the main garment pieces.