Rocky Road

Rocky Road Cardigan by Heidi Kirrmaier

What is Being Made

Rocky Road is a downloadable knitting pattern for a cardigan available in three length options: short, medium, and long. The design is offered in eight finished bust sizes ranging from 32¼ inches (82 cm) for extra small through 53 inches (135 cm) for extra large, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The pattern was designed by Heidi Kirrmaier and updated in October 2012.

Yarn and Materials

Rocky Road is designed to be knitted using worsted weight wool yarn, classified as aran weight. The pattern specifies yardage requirements that vary by size and length option. The short option requires between 985 and 1640 yards depending on size, the medium option between 1245 and 2115 yards, and the long option between 1400 and 2365 yards. The pattern examples shown feature Quince & Co. Lark yarn in two colorways: Kittywake for the long option and Peacock for the short option.

Additional materials required include 5 mm / US 8 circular needles in the appropriate size to achieve gauge, along with needles of the same size for working sleeves in the round using methods such as short circular needles, double-pointed needles (DPNs), magic loop, or a second circular needle. The pattern also calls for six stitch markers, two stitch holders, and waste yarn for construction.

Knitting Techniques

Rocky Road employs intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills. The cardigan is constructed using circular needles and includes in-the-round knitting for the sleeves. The pattern requires knowledge of stitch marker placement and manipulation, as well as the ability to work with stitch holders and waste yarn, techniques commonly used in seamless garment construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Rocky Road is a Textured Pattern. The gauge for this textured pattern is established at 19 stitches and 28 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches), which is typical for worsted weight yarn on US 8 needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements specified in the pattern.

Difficulty Level

Rocky Road is classified as an intermediate difficulty pattern, indicating it is designed for knitters who have progressed beyond basic techniques and are comfortable working with circular needles, managing multiple stitches, and executing textured stitch patterns with consistency.