Lila Cardigan in Rowan Handknit Cotton - Downloadable PDF

Lila Cardigan in Rowan Handknit Cotton by Sarah Hatton – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Lila Cardigan is a beautifully crafted knitting pattern designed by Sarah Hatton and published by Rowan. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is suitable for knitters who are comfortable working with stitch patterns, shaping, and garment construction beyond the basics. The design sits within the category of cardigans and boleros, making it a versatile layering piece suited to a range of wardrobes and occasions.

About the Garment

The Lila Cardigan is a feminine, fitted knitted cardigan featuring distinctive cap sleeves, which are shaped using a combination of increases and cast-on stitches to create a smooth, structured sleeve head. The garment is worked in a stitch pattern that runs consistently throughout, including into the shaped sections, requiring the knitter to maintain pattern integrity while simultaneously working shaping rows — a hallmark of intermediate-level knitting.

The cardigan is designed to fit a wide range of bust sizes, making it an inclusive and adaptable pattern:

• To fit bust: 81–86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, and 122–127 cm (32–34, 36–38, 40–42, 44–46, and 48–50 in)
• Actual garment bust measurement: 98, 108, 120, 132, and 146 cm (39, 43, 47, 52, and 57 in)

The generous range of sizes ensures that knitters of many body types can enjoy making and wearing this design. The actual measurements include positive ease, giving the finished garment a comfortable, wearable fit.

Construction and Shaping Techniques

The Lila Cardigan employs a number of classic knitting construction techniques that give it its polished, professional finish. Understanding these techniques is key to achieving the intended silhouette:

Cap Sleeve Shaping

The cap sleeves are shaped using a two-stage process. First, stitches are increased at each end of the next and following alternate rows, then on consecutive rows, working the new stitches into the existing stitch pattern as the shaping progresses. This is followed by casting on additional stitches at the beginning of successive rows — 4 stitches on the next two rows, then 5 stitches on the following two rows — to build out the sleeve cap width. This combination of gradual increases and bold cast-ons creates a structured, shaped sleeve head that sits neatly on the shoulder.

Shoulder Shaping

Shoulders are shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows in a stepped sequence, with the number of stitches and rows varying by size. This classic shoulder shaping technique creates a neat, angled shoulder seam that contributes to the garment's tailored appearance. Throughout all shaping, the stitch pattern is kept correct, which requires careful attention and stitch counting — a key skill at the intermediate level.

Stitch Pattern

The body of the Lila Cardigan is worked in an all-over stitch pattern that is maintained consistently through all shaping sections. While the specific stitch pattern is referenced throughout the instructions as "patt", working a textured or lace pattern simultaneously with increases, decreases, and cast-ons is one of the defining challenges — and rewards — of this intermediate-level design. Knitters are encouraged to use stitch markers and keep careful row notes to maintain pattern alignment during shaping.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Handknit Cotton, a popular DK weight yarn from the Rowan brand. Rowan Handknit Cotton is a 100% cotton yarn sold in 50g balls, known for its smooth, matte finish and excellent stitch definition — qualities that make it particularly well-suited to showcasing textured stitch patterns. Cotton yarns like this one are breathable and comfortable against the skin, making the Lila Cardigan an ideal choice for spring and summer knitting projects or as a lightweight layer year-round.

The yarn quantities required vary by size:

• Size 1