Calico Cardigan in Rowan Brushed Fleece - RTP004-0002-ENPFRP - Downloadable PDF

Calico Cardigan in Rowan Brushed Fleece

What is Being Made

The Calico Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-162 cm (60-62 inches), offering a comprehensive size range for various body types. The cardigan features a structured construction with shaped armholes, neck shaping, and a classic button-front closure typical of cardigan designs.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project classified at intermediate difficulty level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The pattern requires understanding of multiple shaping techniques including cast-off decreases at regular intervals, stitch holder placement for later finishing, and the ability to work pattern stitches while simultaneously managing garment shaping. The construction involves working pieces separately and then joining them together, which is a standard approach in cardigan construction.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Calico Cardigan employs a pattern stitch that must be maintained consistently throughout the garment construction. The pattern instructions reference "keeping patt correct throughout," indicating that a specific stitch pattern (referred to as the calico pattern) runs across the entire piece. Key shaping techniques include:

• Cast-off decreases worked at the beginning of rows to create armhole shaping
• Multiple sequential cast-off rows to achieve graduated armhole depth
• Neck shaping worked over several rows with varying stitch counts depending on size
• Use of stitch holders to preserve stitches for later finishing, particularly at the centre back neck and side sections
• Right-side and wrong-side row differentiation for proper pattern alignment
• K2tog (knit two together) decreases for refined shaping at the neck edge

Materials

The Calico Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, a chunky weight yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, with the pattern calling for 7 to 11 balls of Brushed Fleece (50 gm balls) depending on which size is being knitted. Chunky weight yarn allows for relatively quick project completion compared to lighter yarn weights, while the brushed fleece texture provides a soft, cozy finish suitable for a cardigan garment.

Downloadable Format

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF document, allowing knitters to access the complete instructions digitally. The PDF format includes all sizing information, detailed row-by-row instructions, and schematic measurements necessary to complete the garment.