Wolf Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Wolf Cardigan in Rowan Brushed Fleece

What is Being Made

The Wolf Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Quails Studio, available in nine sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches). This garment features a classic button-front closure with six buttons and includes functional patch pockets, making it both a stylish and practical layering piece. The cardigan is photographed in the Rowan Brushed Fleece colorway Cairn 263.

Techniques Used

This advanced beginner knitting project employs several essential cardigan construction techniques. The garment begins with a ribbed edge worked in a 1x1 rib pattern, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the cast-on edge. The main body is worked in reverse stockinette stitch, creating a distinctive textured surface that showcases the brushed fleece yarn beautifully. Strategic decreasing is used to shape the garment, including K2tog (knit two together) decreases worked during the transition from rib to the main stitch pattern. Patch pockets are integrated into the left front by holding a completed pocket piece behind the main fabric and working the stitches together with P2tog (purl two together) decreases. The front neck shaping is achieved through turning and leaving stitches on stitch holders, a technique that allows for precise shaping of the neckline while maintaining stitch integrity for later finishing.

Stitches Used

• 1x1 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches create an elastic, textured edge
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Purl stitches on the right side and knit stitches on the wrong side form the primary fabric texture
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease used during the ribbing transition
• P2tog (Purl Two Together): A decrease worked on purl rows, used both for shaping and for attaching pockets
• P2tog tbl (Purl Two Together Through Back Loop): A left-leaning decrease used for front neck shaping

Materials and Tools

The Wolf Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, a 50-gram ball weight. The yarn quantity required ranges from 11 balls for the smallest size (to fit 71–76 cm chest) to 20 balls for the largest size (to fit 152–157 cm chest). The pattern calls for one pair of 5.5mm (US size 9) knitting needles. The tension is established at 15 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the specified needle size. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing live stitches during shaping and six buttons for the front closure.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The pattern provides comprehensive sizing information with nine graduated sizes. The left front section begins with a cast-on of 38 to 74 stitches depending on size, followed by 12 centimeters of 1x1 ribbing. A strategic decrease row transitions the ribbing into reverse stockinette stitch, reducing the stitch count to between 32 and 62 stitches. The left front is then worked to approximately 28.5 centimeters before patch pockets are attached, with the main body continuing to a finished length of 64 to 76 centimeters. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 40.5 centimeters for the smallest size to 71.5 centimeters for the largest, providing appropriate ease for comfortable wear.