Rhea Ribbed Cardigan in Fable Brushed Aran - Downloadable PDF

Rhea Ribbed Cardigan in West Yorkshire Spinners Fable Brushed Aran – Knitting Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Rhea Ribbed Cardigan is a sophisticated knitting pattern designed by Sarah Hatton and published by West Yorkshire Spinners. Rated as an advanced knitting project, this downloadable PDF pattern delivers a beautifully textured, ribbed cardigan with a soft, halo-finished aesthetic that perfectly complements the luxurious yarn it is designed for. Technical editing was handled by Helen Birch and Jill Gray, ensuring precise, reliable instructions throughout.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a ribbed cardigan — a classic, versatile layering piece characterised by its structured vertical ribbing texture. The ribbed construction gives the cardigan excellent stretch and recovery, creating a flattering, body-conscious silhouette while maintaining comfort and ease of movement. The brushed halo of the yarn adds a softness and warmth to the finished piece, elevating it beyond an everyday knit into something truly special.

Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Fable Brushed Aran

West Yorkshire Spinners Fable Brushed Aran is the specified yarn for this pattern and is integral to achieving the intended result. It is a unique, gently brushed blend composed of:

• 50% Falkland Wool – providing structure, durability, and excellent stitch definition
• 35% British Alpaca – contributing softness, drape, and natural warmth
• 15% British Mohair – responsible for the signature halo effect that gives this yarn its ethereal, brushed finish

The yarn is sold in 100g balls and offers approximately 166 metres (182 yards) per ball. It falls into the Aran weight category, making it a satisfying and relatively quick knit for an advanced project. Fable Brushed Aran is available in a carefully curated palette of natural, earthy, and rich tones, including colourways named Phoenix, Rubus, Fjord, Shadow, Feather, Elder, Siren, Willow, Faun, Oak, Titan, and Moss.

West Yorkshire Spinners note that all yarn quantities given in the pattern are based on average usage and are therefore approximate. The use of any yarn other than Fable Brushed Aran is not recommended, as results cannot be guaranteed.

Needles Required

The pattern calls for 5mm (US 8) knitting needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential, and knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before casting on for the full garment. Needle size should be adjusted up or down as necessary to match the stated tension.

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 18 stitches over 10cm / 4 inches square using 5mm (US 8) needles. Because ribbing naturally pulls in, working to the correct tension is especially important for a ribbed cardigan to ensure the correct fit and garment dimensions. Knitters with fewer stitches than stated should move down a needle size; those with more stitches should move up a needle size.

Techniques and Stitches Used

As an advanced knitting pattern, the Rhea Ribbed Cardigan is best suited to experienced knitters comfortable with garment construction and shaping. Key techniques and stitches involved include:

• Rib stitch – the primary stitch pattern throughout the cardigan, typically worked as a combination of knit and purl stitches in sequence (such as 2x2 or 1x1 rib) to create the characteristic vertical ridged texture
• Garment shaping – including increases and decreases to shape the body, armholes, and neckline
• Seaming and finishing – joining knitted panels to construct the completed cardigan
• Tension management