Eagle Cardigan in Rowan Four Seasons - Downloadable PDF

Eagle Cardigan in Rowan Four Seasons – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Eagle Cardigan is a knitted cardigan pattern published by Quail Studio and worked in Rowan Four Seasons yarn. Designed with a beginner skill level, this is an accessible and rewarding project for knitters who are building confidence beyond the basics. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it easy to access and print at home.

What Is Being Made

The Eagle Cardigan is a classic, relaxed-fit cardigan constructed in separate pieces that are seamed together. The garment features a shaped front neck, with distinct left front and right front panels, a back, and sleeves. The front neck shaping gives the finished cardigan a neat, tailored neckline despite the beginner-friendly construction approach. The pattern is sized generously, covering a wide range of chest measurements from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), with actual garment chest measurements ranging from 90 cm (35½ in) to 170 cm (67 in), making it truly size-inclusive.

Construction and Techniques

The Eagle Cardigan is knitted flat, piece by piece, using a traditional set-in or drop-shoulder construction method typical of classic cardigans. Key construction techniques include:

• Casting on – Each piece begins with a straightforward long-tail or cable cast-on, with stitch counts varying by size (for example, the left front begins with 32 to 64 stitches depending on the chosen size).
• Front neck shaping – Decreases are worked on the left and right fronts to create a smooth, sloped neckline. The shaping uses a combination of decreases on right-side rows, followed by alternating rows and then every fourth row, producing a gradual and elegant curve.
• Seaming – As a piece-by-piece construction, the finished panels are joined using standard seaming techniques such as mattress stitch.
• Symmetrical shaping – The left and right fronts mirror each other, with the pattern guiding knitters through each side separately for clarity.

Stitches Used

The Eagle Cardigan is worked primarily in straightforward stitches well suited to beginner knitters:

• Knit stitch (K) – The foundation of the fabric, used throughout the body and sleeves.
• K2tog (knit two together) – A simple right-leaning decrease used to shape the front neck. For example, on the left front, the decrease row reads: K to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2, neatly placing the decrease just inside the neck edge for a clean finish.
• Stocking stitch or similar smooth fabric – Implied by the use of knit rows on the right side and the straightforward row-by-row construction.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Four Seasons, a worsted weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The yarn requirement varies by size, ranging from 14 to 20 balls, reflecting the generous sizing range of the pattern. Rowan Four Seasons is a premium yarn well suited to garment knitting, offering stitch definition and drape that complement the clean lines of the Eagle Cardigan.

The pattern calls for 4mm (US 6) needles, consistent with the worsted weight of the yarn and producing a fabric with good structure and warmth. Knitters may wish to have a tapestry needle on hand for seaming the finished pieces together.

Who This Pattern Is For

The Eagle Cardigan is rated as a beginner knitting pattern, making it an excellent choice for newer knitters looking to complete their first full cardigan. The techniques involved — casting on, working in a basic knit fabric, and working simple decreases — are all fundamental skills that beginner knitters will either already know or find straightforward to learn. The wide size range also makes this pattern a go-to for knitters who