Magnolia Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply - RM006-00020-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Magnolia Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply

What is Being Made

The Magnolia Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Erika Knight, available in nine size options ranging from bust measurements of 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm. This garment is crafted as a beginner-level knitting project, making it accessible to knitters new to cardigan construction. The finished cardigan features a gestrickte (knitted) bust width that ranges from 104 cm in the smallest size to 184 cm in the largest size, providing comfortable, relaxed fit options across the size range.

Techniques Used

The Magnolia Cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The pattern uses a method of joining left and right back pieces together, where stitches from both pieces are placed on auxiliary needles and worked together using a three-stitch decrease. The garment is constructed using glatt rechts (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern begins with a foundation of two rows that establish the stitch pattern, followed by extended lengths of stockinette stitch construction. The cardigan is worked in pieces and then seamed together, with the back piece measuring between 54–68 cm in length depending on size.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (Glatt Rechts): The primary stitch throughout the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to produce a smooth, flat fabric
• Decrease Stitches: Three-stitch decreases are used when joining the back pieces together, reducing multiple stitches to create a seamed construction
• Foundation Rows: Two rows establish the base pattern before continuing with stockinette stitch

Materials

The Magnolia Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply yarn. This yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls, and the pattern specifies the required yardage for each of the nine sizes. The photographed version features two colorways: Touch of Gold 439 and Pure White 417, showcasing the versatility of this design across different color options. Knitters will require needles appropriate for 4-ply yarn weight, which typically accommodates the fine gauge needed for this yarn type. An auxiliary needle is also necessary for the stitch-joining technique used in the back piece construction.

Design Details

This downloadable PDF pattern (reference RM006-00020-DEP) provides complete instructions for creating a classic, beginner-friendly cardigan. The pattern is available in German, reflecting Erika Knight's international design reach through the Rowan brand. The nine-size range ensures that knitters of various body measurements can find an appropriate fit, from petite to plus-size options. The use of lightweight 4-ply yarn and stockinette stitch construction makes the Magnolia Cardigan suitable for warmer seasons or layering, while the straightforward techniques keep the project manageable for those new to cardigan knitting.