Blast (DE) in Rowan - Downloadable PDF

Blast Cardigan by Lisa Richardson – Knitting Pattern Summary (German Edition)

The Blast pattern by Lisa Richardson, published by Rowan and available as a downloadable PDF, is a chunky-weight knitted cardigan for adults. This is a German-language edition of the pattern (DE), designed for knitters of intermediate skill level. The garment is a relaxed, structured cardigan featuring set-in or shaped sleeves, front bands, and button fastening — a versatile wardrobe staple that suits a wide range of body sizes.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers an impressive range of nine sizes, accommodating bust measurements from 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm. The corresponding actual knitted bust measurements range from 105 cm to 187.5 cm, offering generous positive ease across all sizes. This inclusive sizing makes Blast accessible to a broad spectrum of knitters and wearers.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Rowan Tweed Haze, a chunky-weight yarn, used in the colourway Winter 550 as shown in the photographed sample. The pattern requires:

• 6 to 10 x 50 g balls of Rowan Tweed Haze, depending on the size being knitted
• Knitting needles in sizes 5½ mm and 6 mm (straight needles)
• One circular needle, size 5½ mm, at least 120 cm in length, used for sleeve construction
• 3 pearl buttons, 2.2 cm in diameter — notably, the pattern specifies that the reverse side of the button is used as the visible face, creating a subtle, understated finish

Tension and Gauge

The stated tension for this pattern is 14.5 stitches and 20 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 6 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is particularly important in a chunky garment like Blast, as even small deviations can significantly affect the finished dimensions across the wide range of sizes offered.

Construction Overview

The Blast cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces — a back, a left front, a right front, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. This classic construction method is well suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with shaping and finishing techniques.

Back

The back begins by casting on between 76 and 136 stitches (depending on size) using the smaller 5½ mm needles. A garter stitch border of approximately 2 rows is worked before switching to the larger 6 mm needles for the main body, which is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side). Shoulder shaping is worked at the top of the back piece using a series of cast-off steps to create a sloped shoulder line, with the remaining stitches cast off to form the back neck.

Left and Right Fronts

Each front piece is worked separately, beginning with the same garter stitch border on 5½ mm needles before transitioning to stocking stitch on 6 mm needles. The fronts are worked until they match the back length before the shoulder shaping begins. The right front is worked as a mirror image of the left front, with shaping reversed accordingly. The button and buttonhole bands are incorporated into the front edges, and 3 pearl buttons are used to fasten the cardigan.

Sleeves

The sleeves are cast on with a smaller stitch count — between 28 and 34 stitches depending on size — using 5½ mm needles, and begin with a garter stitch cuff section of approximately 2.5 cm. After switching to 6 mm needles, the sleeve is worked in stocking stitch with regular increases