Rose Cardigan in Rowan Felted Tweed DK - Downloadable PDF

Rose Cardigan in Rowan Felted Tweed DK by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rose Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, available in nine sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). The finished garment bust measurements span from 101.5 cm (40 inches) to 183.5 cm (72¼ inches), offering a range of fits from close-fitting to generous sizing.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level cardigan incorporates several key knitting techniques. The pattern begins with garter stitch for the initial foundation rows, establishing a textured base. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates the classic smooth, V-shaped appearance characteristic of traditional cardigans. The design features front slope shaping, which is achieved through strategic decreases worked at regular intervals to create the sloped neckline typical of cardigan construction. The pattern uses both alternating row decreases and fourth-row decreases depending on size, demonstrating intermediate-level shaping complexity.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): Used for the opening rows to create a stable, textured edge
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the main body of the cardigan, worked in rows with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at the front slope to shape the neckline and create the cardigan's characteristic silhouette

Materials

This cardigan is designed to be knitted with Rowan Felted Tweed DK, a double knitting weight yarn. The pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed DK in Seasalter (color A), with yarn requirements ranging from 4 x 50gm balls for smaller sizes up to 8 x 50gm balls for the largest sizes. The yarn is worked on 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main fabric after the initial garter stitch setup. Rowan Felted Tweed DK is a wool-rich yarn known for its soft handle and subtle heathered colorways, making it an excellent choice for a classic cardigan design.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques and multi-size pattern instructions. The combination of basic stitches with strategic decreasing and the need to work from a detailed schematic makes this an ideal project for developing intermediate knitting competency.