Thea Cardigan MODE Collection Knitting Pattern

Thea Cardigan MODE Collection

What Is Being Made

The Thea Cardigan is a knitted cardigan from the MODE Collection, designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm chest measurements (28-30 inches to 60-62 inches). The actual finished chest measurements range from 110.5 cm to 190.5 cm (43½ inches to 75 inches), providing comfortable ease for various body sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Thea Cardigan employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The pattern features stocking stitch as the primary fabric base, which provides a smooth, classic finish. The design incorporates chart-based patterning, with a repeating 14-stitch and 40-row pattern repeat that creates decorative motifs across the front and back pieces. Shaping techniques include strategic decreasing at neck edges and cast-off sequences to create proper neckline definition. The pattern also utilizes stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, particularly for the neckband application.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs a range of knitting stitches and abbreviations to construct the cardigan. Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the stocking stitch fabric. Decreasing techniques include K2tog (knit two together) for single decreases and sL2togK (slip 2 stitches as though to knit together) for slip-stitch decreases. The pattern also features p2sso (pass 2 slipped stitches over), a specialized decrease technique that creates elegant stitch manipulation. These techniques work together to shape the armholes, neckline, and front edges of the cardigan while maintaining the integrity of the patterned design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Thea Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Summerlite 4ply, a lightweight four-ply yarn that provides a delicate, breathable fabric ideal for warmer seasons. Yarn quantities range from 10 to 13 balls of 50-gram skeins, depending on the finished size selected.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric control. 2¾mm (US 2) needles are used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, while 3mm (US 2/3) needles are used for the main body of the cardigan. A 2¾mm (US 2) circular needle measuring at least 130 cm long is required for working the neckband in the round. The pattern specifies a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stocking stitch using 3mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Garment Construction Details

The Thea Cardigan is constructed using a traditional flat-knitting method with separate pieces that are subsequently seamed together. The left front piece is cast on using 3mm needles with stitch counts ranging from 78 to 134 stitches depending on size. The pattern is worked from charts, with the 14-stitch repeat repeated across each row between 5 and 9 times depending on the size being knitted. The 40-row pattern repeat is worked throughout the length of each piece, creating a cohesive and balanced design across the front and back sections. Neck shaping is accomplished through strategic decreasing at the neck edge over three rows, with additional cast-offs at the beginning of alternating rows to create a proper neckline curve. The neckband is worked separately using a circular needle and applied to the finished garment.