Spray Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Spray Cardigan in Rowan Fine Tweed Haze

What is Being Made

The Spray Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey, available in nine sizes ranging from 83 cm to 165 cm chest measurement (32¾ inches to 65 inches). This garment features a classic cardigan construction with front button closure, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced beginner knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to create its structure and visual interest:

• Moss Stitch – Used extensively throughout the design, particularly on the front bands and opening edges, creating a textured, non-rolling finish that frames the cardigan opening
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch – Applied strategically next to the front band stitches to add subtle texture variation
• Stockinette Stitch – Forms the main body fabric, providing a smooth, classic knit surface
• Shaping and Decreasing – Neck shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases worked over multiple rows, creating a refined neckline
• Shoulder Seaming – The garment requires careful construction of shoulder and back neck shaping with cast-off techniques to achieve proper fit
• Ribbed Edging – The initial rows combine knit and purl stitches in alternating patterns to create elastic ribbing at the hem

Stitches Used

The Spray Cardigan utilizes a focused selection of core knitting stitches:

• Knit Stitch (K) – Primary stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl Stitch (P) – Used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern
• Moss Stitch – A combination of alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 repeated) that creates a bumpy, textured surface ideal for front bands
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch – Purl side facing outward, providing visual contrast
• Cast Off – Used to bind off stitches and secure edges, particularly important for shoulder and neckline finishing

Materials and Gauge

The Spray Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Fine Tweed Haze, a premium yarn available in the colorway Rain 015 as shown in the pattern photography. The pattern requires 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, or 8 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size selected.

Needles Required: The project calls for two pairs of needles – 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuff and initial rows, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body fabric. This needle size transition is typical in cardigan construction, allowing for a fitted edge that won't curl while maintaining proper gauge and drape in the body.

Gauge: The pattern is worked to a tension of 21 stitches and 29 rows over 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) when measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit across all nine sizes.

Notions: The cardigan is finished with five brown corozo buttons, specifically TGB4837 23mm buttons from Textile Garden, which provide a natural, sustainable button option that complements the fine tweed yarn.

Construction Overview

The Spray Cardigan is constructed using a traditional flat knitting method, with separate pieces for the back, left front, and right front that are subsequently seamed together. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for the shoulders and back neck, ensuring a professional fit. The front bands feature a seven-stitch moss stitch edge that frames the button band, with one reverse stockinette stitch column providing a subtle textural transition to the main body. This construction method is well-suited to the advanced beginner skill level, as it requires understanding of shaping techniques while remaining manageable for knitters progressing beyond basic projects.