Cawston in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton - Downloadable PDF

Cawston Cardigan by Quail Studio in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton

What is Being Made

The Cawston is a knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is crafted using Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton yarn and is suitable for advanced beginner knitters. The cardigan comes in ten sizes, ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches chest measurement, with actual garment chest measurements spanning from 33¾ inches to 65¼ inches. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Snowflake 014.

Techniques Used

The Cawston cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for the advanced beginner skill level. The garment is constructed using stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, which creates a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern involves working in the round using circular needles for certain sections, as evidenced by the requirement for 3.75mm circular needles measuring at least 120cm in length. The construction includes shaping at the armholes and utilizes stitch holders for managing stitches during assembly.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The main stitch throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic smooth, V-patterned fabric
• Garter Stitch: Likely used for edgings and ribbing sections, though specific ribbing details are referenced in the pattern structure

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton in DK weight is the specified yarn for this project. The yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 9 balls (25gm each) for the smallest size to 19 balls for the largest size. This yarn blend combines alpaca and cotton fibers, offering a lightweight yet durable fabric suitable for a cardigan.

Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles—one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles and one pair of 3.75mm (US 5) needles—for the main fabric and ribbing respectively. Additionally, 3.75mm (US 5) circular needles measuring at least 120cm in length are needed for working certain sections of the garment in the round.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the cardigan fits properly across all size ranges.

Pattern Structure

The Cawston follows a traditional cardigan construction, beginning with the back piece. The pattern provides detailed instructions for all ten sizes, with stitch counts and measurements clearly outlined. The back is worked in stockinette stitch, starting with a knit row, and continues without shaping until the armhole measurement is reached, which varies from 19 centimeters for the smallest size to 29 centimeters for the largest size.