Wilson Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic - D210 - Downloadable PDF

Wilson Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Wilson Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan pattern designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This intermediate-level garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished chest measurements from 97 cm (38 inches) to 127 cm (50 inches). The cardigan features a structured construction with set-in sleeves, front button bands, and functional patch pockets, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Wilson Cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create its tailored silhouette. The pattern incorporates ribbed edgings for elasticity and definition at the cuffs, hem, and front bands. Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric body, creating a smooth, classic appearance. The construction includes shaped armholes and sleeve caps to achieve a professional fit, along with strategic decreasing to taper the garment at key points. Pocket linings are worked separately and integrated into the front pieces, demonstrating intermediate-level garment construction. The pattern requires careful stitch placement and row counting to ensure proper alignment of design elements across multiple sizes.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St St): The dominant stitch used throughout the main body of the cardigan, creating the smooth, flat fabric characteristic of classic knitwear
• Ribbing: Applied to cuffs, hem, and front bands for elasticity and a finished appearance
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches: The fundamental stitches that form the basis of all ribbed and stocking stitch sections
• Decreasing (dec): Used strategically throughout the pattern to shape the armholes, sleeve caps, and taper the garment for proper fit
• Cast-on and cast-off techniques: Essential for establishing and finishing edges throughout the construction

Materials and Specifications

The Wilson Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Kid Classic yarn in an aran weight, providing a medium-weight fabric suitable for layering and year-round wear. The yarn requirement varies by size, ranging from 12 to 17 balls of 50-gram skeins, depending on the finished chest measurement selected. The pattern photographed features the colorway Victoria 852. Two sets of needles are required: 4mm (US 6) needles for the ribbed sections including the cuffs, hem, and front bands, and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main body worked in stocking stitch. This needle size progression is typical for aran-weight yarns and ensures proper gauge and fabric consistency throughout the garment. The downloadable PDF format provides complete instructions for all seven sizes in a single document.