Winterton Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Winterton Cardigan by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Winterton is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio and published by Mode at Rowan. This garment is available in three sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–97 cm (28–38 inches) through to 132–157 cm (52–62 inches), with actual finished chest measurements of 103 cm, 118 cm, and 128¾ cm respectively. The cardigan features a traditional construction with separate back and front pieces, set-in sleeves, and a front band detail.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Winterton employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The garment is constructed using the flat knitting method on circular needles, with pieces worked separately and then seamed together. Key techniques include:

• Ribbed fabric construction throughout the garment, worked in a K1, P1 (knit one, purl one) pattern that creates elasticity and structure
• Shoulder shaping achieved through strategic cast-off rows to create a fitted neckline
• Neck shaping using decreases at the neck edge over multiple rows to create a comfortable neckline opening
• Mattress stitch seaming used to join shoulder seams for an invisible, professional finish
• Picked-up stitches for the front band, worked directly from the finished edges of the garment

Stitches Used

The Winterton pattern relies on straightforward stitches that make it accessible to knitters developing their skills. The primary stitch throughout is K1, P1 ribbing, which alternates knit and purl stitches in single-stitch intervals. This rib pattern is set in the first two rows and maintained consistently across the back piece, left front, right front, and front band sections. The ribbed texture provides both visual interest and functional elasticity to the finished cardigan.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Winterton is designed to be worked using two complementary Rowan yarns held together as a single strand throughout the project. Yarn A is Merino Soft in Clay (color 011), a 50-gram ball weight yarn, with yardage requirements of 17 balls for the smallest size, 21 balls for the medium size, and 24 balls for the largest size. Yarn B is Alpaca Haze Silk (color 013), a 25-gram ball weight yarn, requiring 6 balls, 8 balls, and 9 balls respectively across the three sizes. Holding one strand of each yarn together creates a blended fabric combining the warmth and softness of merino wool with the luxurious drape of alpaca fiber.

The pattern is worked on 6mm (US size 10) circular needles measuring at least 100 centimeters in length. The circular needle accommodates the width of the garment pieces while allowing for flat knitting in rows. The specified needle size, combined with the two-yarn combination, produces a fabric with a tension of 14 stitches and 22 rows per 10 centimeters when measured over K1, P1 rib in blocked gauge.