Sunbird Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sunbird Cardigan by Martin Storey for Rowan

What is Being Made

The Sunbird is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches). This versatile garment features a structured silhouette with detailed stitch patterning and is available in multiple sizes to accommodate a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structural definition. The design incorporates cable work, specifically cable twists that are worked into the front opening edges. The pattern uses shaping techniques including cast-off decreases at the back neck and strategic decreases worked into the body to create a fitted garment. Tension management is critical, as the pattern requires working between two different stitch gauges—stockinette stitch and a decorative fancy rib—which demands careful attention to needle size and yarn control.

Stitches Used

The Sunbird features a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches. The primary stitch pattern is fancy rib, which creates vertical texture across the main body of the cardigan. Cable stitches are incorporated along the front opening edges, with the special abbreviation C4B (slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle) creating twisted cable details. The pattern also includes twisted rib (K1 tbl), which adds subtle texture variation. Stockinette stitch is used as the base fabric in certain sections, providing contrast to the ribbed and cabled areas. Decreases are worked using the standard knit two together (work 2 tog) method to shape the garment at the neck and body.

Materials and Tools

The Sunbird is designed to be knitted with Rowan Pebble Island yarn, a 50-gram weight yarn that allows for excellent stitch definition in both the cables and rib patterns. The pattern recommends two pairs of needles: 4mm (US 6) needles for working the fancy rib sections, which require a tighter gauge of 26 stitches and 32 rows over 10 centimeters, and 4½mm (US 7) needles for stockinette stitch sections, which work to a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable twists that define the front edges. Accurate tension is critical to the success of this project, as the interplay between the two gauges creates the intended fit and drape of the finished cardigan.