Tottenhill Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tottenhill Cardigan by Quail Studio in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Haze

What is Being Made

The Tottenhill is a knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio and published by Mode at Rowan. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest measurements, with actual finished chest measurements spanning from 103 cm (40½ inches) to 180 cm (70¾ inches). The cardigan features a classic construction with separate back and front pieces, incorporating ribbed edging and stockinette stitch as the primary fabric.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced beginner-level cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles, which is a standard method for creating stretchy, fitted edges that prevent curling. The pattern uses yarn held double throughout, which creates a thicker, more substantial fabric and allows for faster project completion. Decreasing techniques are incorporated in the transition from ribbing to main fabric, achieved through purl two together (P2tog) decreases worked across a row to reduce stitch count. The construction method involves working flat pieces in rows rather than in the round, with separate front and back sections that would be seamed together. The pattern notes indicate that new yarn is joined at side seams on front pieces, and the first stitch of wrong-side rows is slipped, a technique that creates neater selvage edges for seaming.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K1, P1): Used for the initial 6 cm of the cuff on both back and front pieces, creating an elastic edge
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary fabric stitch, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing the classic smooth, V-textured surface
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): A decrease stitch used in the transition row from ribbing to stockinette stitch to reduce stitches and shape the garment
• Slip Stitch: The first stitch of each wrong-side row is slipped rather than worked, improving the appearance of side seams

Materials and Specifications

The Tottenhill is knitted using Mode at Rowan Alpaca Haze, a luxury yarn available in four coordinating colors for this design. Yarn quantities vary by size, with Navy 011 (color A) requiring 2 to 3 balls of 25 grams each, Capri 019 (color B) requiring 1 to 3 balls, Silver 012 (color C) requiring 1 to 3 balls, and Jasmine 014 (color D) requiring 3 to 6 balls depending on the finished size. The pattern is worked using two needle sizes: 4.5mm (UK size 7, US size 7) needles for the ribbed cuff and 6.5mm (UK size 3, US size 10½) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The working tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using the larger needles with yarn held double. Additional notions required include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.