Zinnia Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Zinnia Cardigan by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Zinnia Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is crafted as a button-front cardigan with a structured fit, available in nine sizes ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches bust measurement. The finished cardigan features actual bust measurements from 37¾ inches up to 69¼ inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to create its finished structure. The cardigan uses stocking stitch as the primary fabric base, combined with patterned stocking stitch that incorporates a sophisticated color-work design. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing at side seams and shoulder shaping, with decreases worked at each end of rows to create a fitted silhouette. Neck shaping is incorporated through casting off at the neck edge and working each side of the neck separately to achieve a professional finish. The cardigan features a button band construction, with four shell buttons used as closures.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch used throughout the Zinnia Cardigan is stocking stitch, worked over a tension of 31 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters when measured using 3mm needles. The pattern incorporates a color-work repeat that spans 180 rows, divided into three 60-row sections. Each section uses different color combinations from the yarn palette, creating a complex and visually interesting design. Decreasing techniques include single stitch decreases at each end of rows during the initial shaping phase, followed by alternating row decreases to create smooth, tapered side seams. Shoulder shaping uses cast-off decreases worked over multiple rows to gradually reduce stitches and create a properly fitted shoulder line.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Zinnia Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn ideal for creating breathable, drape-friendly garments. The pattern calls for four coordinating colors from the Summerlite range:

• Pepper Pot (color 431) – the primary color, requiring 5 to 9 balls depending on size
• Duck Egg (color 419) – a secondary color, requiring 2 to 3 balls
• Blushes (color 420) – an accent color, requiring 2 balls across all sizes
• Seashell (color 437) – used as a tertiary accent color

The project requires two pairs of needles: 2¾mm needles (US size 2) for casting on and initial ribbing, and 3mm needles (US size 2/3) for the main body and patterned stocking stitch work. Four shell buttons measuring 2 centimeters are used as fasteners, applied showing the reverse of the button for a distinctive design detail.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with experience in basic garment construction and color-work techniques. The pattern requires understanding of shaping methods, the ability to work from charts for the color repeats, and skill in finishing techniques such as button bands and neck edge completion. The downloadable PDF format provides complete instructions for all nine sizes, making this a versatile pattern for various knitting experience levels within the intermediate range.