Namib Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK - Downloadable PDF

Namib Cardigan by Martin Storey in Rowan Summerlite DK – Pattern Summary

The Namib Cardigan is an advanced-level knitting pattern designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. It is a downloadable PDF pattern for a sophisticated, relaxed-fit cardigan worked in Rowan Summerlite DK yarn — photographed in the colourway Blushes 480. This is a substantial, well-constructed garment with a wide range of sizes, making it a rewarding project for experienced knitters looking to expand their skills in shaping and textured stitch patterns.

What Is Being Made

The Namib Cardigan is a long, open-fronted or button-fastening cardigan designed to fit a wide range of chest sizes. The pattern covers nine sizes, with actual chest measurements ranging from approximately 139 cm (54¾ in) to 219 cm (86¼ in), making it an exceptionally size-inclusive design. The garment features a distinctive construction method that incorporates sleeve extensions worked as part of the body, rather than as entirely separate set-in sleeves, giving it a relaxed, contemporary silhouette.

Construction and Shaping Techniques

The Namib Cardigan is constructed using a number of advanced shaping and construction techniques that place it firmly in the advanced difficulty category. Key techniques include:

• Integrated sleeve extensions: Rather than traditional set-in or drop-shoulder sleeves, the sleeve extensions are shaped directly from the body pieces. Stitches are increased at each end of specified rows — including every 4th row and every alternate row — and markers are placed to denote the base of the armhole openings, creating a seamless transition between body and sleeve.
• Stitch pattern repeats: The body is worked in a structured 24-row repeat stitch pattern that combines knit and purl rows in a specific sequence, creating surface texture. Increases are carefully worked so that new stitches are absorbed into the established pattern, requiring the knitter to track pattern placement accurately across changing stitch counts.
• Precise row-by-row shaping: The back is worked to a specific length — varying by size from approximately 36.5 cm to 40.5 cm — before sleeve extension shaping begins, demanding careful row counting and measurement throughout.
• Marker placement: Stitch markers are used strategically to denote the base of armhole openings, a technique that helps maintain accuracy during the construction of the integrated sleeves.

Stitches Used

The Namib Cardigan pattern uses a combination of fundamental and structured knitting stitches to build its characteristic texture. These include:

• Knit stitch — used throughout the pattern rows and as the foundation of the textured repeat
• Purl stitch — used in specific rows within the 24-row pattern repeat to create contrast and surface interest
• Increases (inc 1 st) — used during sleeve extension shaping, worked at each end of designated rows and incorporated into the ongoing stitch pattern

The 24-row stitch pattern is built entirely from knit and purl combinations arranged in a precise sequence. Rows of knitting and purling alternate in a structured way — including paired rows (such as two consecutive purl rows and single knit rows) — to produce a textured fabric that is more visually interesting than simple stocking stitch or garter stitch alone. This type of pattern requires the knitter to maintain careful awareness of which row they are on within the repeat, particularly when shaping is occurring simultaneously.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The sample garment was knitted in the colourway Blushes 480. Rowan Summerlite DK is a smooth, light yarn well-suited to warm-weather or transitional-season garments, and its stitch definition makes it an excellent choice for showcasing the textured stitch pattern used throughout this cardigan. The pattern specifies the use of appropriate knitting needles for DK weight yarn, though knitters should always check their tension/gauge swatch before casting on, particularly given the wide range of