Sophie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sophie Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic

What is Being Made

The Sophie Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Quails Studio, crafted from Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn. This garment is suitable for beginners and comes in nine size options to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with corresponding finished chest measurements from 95.5 cm (37½ inches) to 175.5 cm (69 inches). The cardigan features a structured construction with ribbed edging, body panels worked in stockinette stitch, and shaped armholes and shoulders for a tailored fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-level cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques. The garment begins with a cast-on using yarn held double for added warmth and texture. Ribbing is established at the front edge and worked for 10 cm to create an elastic, fitted border. Decreasing is used strategically through purl two together (P2tog) stitches to shape the garment after the ribbed section. Armhole shaping is achieved through cast-offs followed by decreasing one stitch at the armhole edge on alternating rows over multiple rows to create a smooth, fitted sleeve opening. Shoulder shaping uses cast-off stitches to create structured shoulders. The pattern is worked across multiple panels including front and back sections, with stitch holders used to manage stitches during construction.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K2, P2): A two-by-two knit and purl combination that creates vertical texture and elasticity, worked for the initial 10 cm of the front edge
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the body of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): A decrease stitch used during the transition from ribbed to stockinette sections to reduce stitch count gradually
• Knit and Purl Stitches: Individual knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the foundation of all pattern work

Materials and Tools

The Sophie Cardigan is worked in Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn, photographed in the colorway Soft Satin 116. The yarn is held double throughout construction, meaning two strands are worked together simultaneously to create a thicker, warmer fabric. The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles: 4.5mm (US 7) needles for the ribbed sections and 5.5mm (US 9) needles for the main stockinette stitch body. A 4.5mm (US 7) circular needle measuring 160 cm long is also needed, likely for finishing or neckline work. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing active stitches and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points. The recommended tension is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm when measured over stockinette stitch using the 5.5mm needles with yarn held double.