Wheat Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Wheat Cardigan in Rowan Cotton Trio

Garment Overview

The Wheat Cardigan is an advanced beginner knitting project designed by Martin Storey. This cardigan is crafted from Rowan Cotton Trio yarn and features a classic button-front construction with tailored shaping. The pattern offers nine size options, accommodating chest measurements from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with corresponding finished chest measurements ranging from 90 cm (35½ inches) to 171.5 cm (67½ inches).

Construction and Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The garment is worked in separate pieces—a back, two front panels, and a front band—which are then assembled. The construction begins with a garter stitch border for stability, followed by the main body worked in stockinette stitch. The pattern incorporates strategic shaping throughout, including side seam decreases and increases, as well as front slope decreases to create the characteristic cardigan silhouette.

The neck shaping is worked by dividing the front stitches and working each side separately. Decreases are worked at the neck edge over multiple rows, combined with cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows to create a neat neckline. The front band stitches are held on a stitch holder during body construction and worked separately to finish the front opening.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Garter Stitch (g st): Used for the initial border rows to provide a stable, non-curling edge
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch pattern for the main body, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at side seams and front slopes to shape the garment
• Increases: Worked at side seams during the back panel construction to add width

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Rowan Cotton Trio (50-gram balls). The pattern requires 11 to 21 balls depending on size, with the sample photographed in Charcoal 119. This yarn choice provides a breathable, natural fiber fabric suitable for a versatile cardigan.

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles and one circular needle. Specifically:

• 1 pair of 2¾mm (US 2) needles for cast-on and garter stitch borders
• 1 pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the main stockinette stitch sections
• 1 circular needle in 2¾mm (US 2), at least 150 cm long, for working the front band in the round

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 34 rows over 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¼mm (US 3) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across the nine available sizes. The sizing range accommodates a wide variety of body types, with detailed stitch counts provided for each size throughout the pattern.

Skill Level and Suitability

Classified as advanced beginner, this cardigan project is appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping. The pattern requires understanding of increases and decreases, working from written instructions with multiple size options, and assembling finished pieces. The straightforward stitch patterns and logical shaping make it an excellent project for building confidence in fitted garment construction.