Aretha Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic - ZB328-00001-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Aretha Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic – Knitting Pattern by Lisa Richardson (ZB328-00001-DEP)

The Aretha Cardigan is a beautifully designed women's knitted cardigan created by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a classic, wearable cardigan with thoughtful construction details including integrated pockets, shaped armholes, and a neatly finished neckline. The design is photographed in Purple Rain 123, showcasing the rich tonal depth that Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn delivers.

What Is Being Made

The Aretha Cardigan is a full-length women's cardigan worked in separate pieces — a back, left front, right front, sleeves, and pocket linings — which are then seamed together. The garment features a structured silhouette with ribbed edging, set-in or shaped armholes, a classic neckline with decreases, and integrated pocket bags. It is designed to fit a wide range of sizes, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for everyday wear.

Size Range

• Nine sizes available, fitting bust measurements of approximately 71–76, 81–86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127, 132–137, 142–147, and 152–157 cm
• Finished knitted circumference at the lower edge ranges from 111.5 cm to 195 cm across the size range
• This generous size inclusivity makes the Aretha Cardigan accessible to a wide range of knitters and wearers

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Alpaca Classic, a DK weight yarn sold in 25 g balls. The sample garment is knitted in the colourway Purple Rain 123. Rowan Alpaca Classic is a lightweight, soft yarn with a beautiful drape, making it well suited to a relaxed yet refined cardigan silhouette. The alpaca content gives the finished fabric a subtle halo and exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio.

• Yarn: Rowan Alpaca Classic, DK weight, 25 g balls
• Sample colourway: Purple Rain 123
• Needles: Straight knitting needles in 3.75 mm (size 3¾)
• Also required: One circular knitting needle, 3.75 mm, at least 100 cm long — used for picking up and working the button band, neckband, or edging in the round
• Additional tools: A spare needle or stitch holder for holding stitches during construction

Tension / Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10 × 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 3.75 mm needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly. Because alpaca fibres can behave differently from wool, blocking the swatch before measuring is recommended.

Construction and Techniques

The Aretha Cardigan is constructed using traditional flat knitting techniques, with each piece worked separately and then joined. This classic construction method gives the knitter full control over shaping and finishing, and is well suited to intermediate-level knitters who are comfortable reading multi-size patterns and working decreases and increases.

Back

• Cast on 156 (170: 186: 200: 212: 226: 242: 256: 272) stitches using 3.75 mm needles
• Begins with a right-side row and continues in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) throughout the main body
• A rib or textured stitch pattern is worked for the first section, followed by a transition row that reduces stitch count before continuing in stocking stitch — this creates a subtle waist shaping or fabric