Sand Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK - RM006-00002-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Sand Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Sand Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio and featured in Rowan's collection. This garment is crafted as a classic cardigan silhouette, available in multiple sizes ranging from bust measurements of 71-76 cm through 152-147 cm, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features structured armhole shaping and a finished edge detail at the back neckline.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several fundamental cardigan construction techniques:

• Seamless knitting with pieces worked flat from the back piece outward
• Armhole shaping achieved through strategic stitch decreases at the beginning of rows, with multiple decrease sequences to create a fitted sleeve cap
• Stocking stitch as the primary fabric texture, worked continuously until armhole depth is reached
• Bind-off edges creating clean finished edges throughout the garment
• Matching length techniques to ensure front and back pieces align properly before armhole work begins

Stitches Used

The Sand Cardigan utilizes classic knitting stitches suitable for a DK-weight yarn project:

• Stocking stitch (garter stitch variation) as the main fabric structure, creating a smooth, refined surface
• Knit and purl combinations for edge definition and finishing
• Decrease stitches worked at armhole edges to shape the garment's silhouette
• Bind-off stitches for secure edge finishing

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Sand Cardigan is designed specifically for Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 to 14 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on the finished bust measurement selected. The pattern was photographed in Summer 453 and White 465 colorways, showcasing the yarn's versatility in both neutral tones.

Knitting needles required are size 3¾, worked with straight needles for flat construction of individual cardigan pieces. This needle size is appropriate for working DK-weight yarn to achieve the intended fabric density and drape for a structured cardigan garment.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The Sand Cardigan pattern includes nine size options, with finished bust measurements progressing in increments suitable for various fit preferences. The back piece establishes the foundation, with front pieces and sleeves worked to match the back length before armhole shaping begins. Armhole depth and sleeve cap shaping vary by size, with larger sizes featuring more pronounced decreases to maintain proper garment proportions.