Saxon Sweater in Rowan Denim Revive - ZB296-00001-UK - Downloadable PDF

Martin Storey Saxon Sweater in Rowan Denim Revive – Pattern Summary

The Saxon Sweater is a beautifully crafted knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Worked in the popular Rowan Denim Revive yarn — photographed here in the striking colourway Darkness 217 — this pattern offers a classic, structured silhouette with thoughtful detailing including integrated pocket linings and a moss stitch border. It is rated as an intermediate skill level project, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to tackle more refined finishing techniques.

What Is Being Made

The Saxon is a knitted cardigan (listed under the cardigans project category), featuring a structured front opening with a continuous moss stitch border running along the front edges. The design includes two pocket linings worked separately and set into the fronts, giving the finished garment both a practical and polished appearance. The cardigan is worked in separate pieces — back, left front, right front, and sleeves — and seamed together on completion.

Sizing

The pattern is written to fit a range of chest sizes, offering six sizes from approximately 81–86 cm up to 132–137 cm (32–34 in to 52–54 in). The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 101 cm to 150 cm (39¾ in to 59 in), allowing for ease across all sizes. This generous size range makes the Saxon an inclusive and versatile pattern suitable for a wide range of knitters.

Yarn

The pattern calls for Rowan Denim Revive, a DK weight yarn, in quantities ranging from 17 to 26 x 50g balls depending on the size being knitted. Denim Revive is a yarn with a denim-inspired aesthetic, and the colourway used in the sample garment is Darkness 217. As a DK weight yarn, it strikes a balance between quick knitting and fine stitch definition, making it ideal for showcasing the textural contrast between stocking stitch and moss stitch sections.

Needles

Two needle sizes are required for this pattern:

• 3¼mm (UK No. 10 / US 3) needles — used for the ribbed or moss stitch border sections and welts
• 3¾mm (US 5) needles — used for the main body of the cardigan worked in stocking stitch

Using two needle sizes in this way is a standard knitting technique that ensures the border sections are slightly tighter and more structured than the main fabric, helping the garment maintain its shape and preventing the edges from flaring.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (st st) — the primary stitch used for the main body, fronts, sleeves, and pocket linings, creating a smooth, classic fabric on the right side
• Moss stitch — used for the lower border/welt sections and, notably, for the 11-stitch front opening border that runs continuously along the left and right fronts, giving a neat, non-rolling edge
• Pocket linings — worked separately in stocking stitch on 3¾mm needles, then placed on a holder and later integrated into the fronts; this is a classic set-in pocket construction technique
• Shaping — the pattern includes standard garment shaping for armholes, necklines, and sleeves, typical of an intermediate-level knitting project
• Holding stitches — pocket lining stitches are left on a holder after completion, a technique that allows them to be joined seamlessly into the front fabric at the correct point

Construction Notes

The Saxon Sweater is constructed in the traditional flat knitting method, with individual pieces worked back and forth in rows on straight needles and then seamed. The front opening edge is kept in moss stitch throughout — even after the needle size changes to 3¾mm for the main body — ensuring a consistent and tidy button band without the need for a separately picked-up border. This integrated approach