Golden Cardigan in Rowan Creative Linen - RM006-00013-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Golden Cardigan in Rowan Creative Linen by Lisa Richardson – Pattern Summary

The Golden Cardigan is a beautifully relaxed knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan under pattern reference RM006-00013-DEP. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are just moving beyond the basics and looking to build confidence with a wearable, stylish garment. The design is photographed in Mustard 647, a warm golden tone that gives the cardigan its evocative name.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a classic drop-shoulder cardigan with a relaxed silhouette. It is constructed in separate pieces — a back, two front panels, and sleeves — which are then seamed together at the sides and sleeve joins. The finished garment features a neat neckline with shaping worked at both the left and right front panels, with decreases mirrored symmetrically for a clean, professional finish. The cardigan is designed to be a comfortable, everyday layering piece with a slightly oversized, casual drape suited to the nature of the yarn.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is graded across nine sizes, accommodating a wide range of body measurements. The sizes are designed to fit busts of approximately 71–76, 81–86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127, 132–137, 142–147, and 152–157 cm. The corresponding knitted bust measurements range from 105 cm up to 185 cm, reflecting generous positive ease throughout — a hallmark of the relaxed, contemporary aesthetic associated with Lisa Richardson's design work for Rowan. Sleeve and body length are worked to specific measurements from the shoulder line, ensuring a consistent fit across all sizes.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting – all pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round
• Neckline shaping – stitches are cast off and then picked up again to work the left front neckline, with shaping worked in reverse to mirror the right front
• Symmetrical decreasing – left and right front panels use mirrored decreases for a balanced neckline
• Seaming – side seams and sleeve seams are closed after blocking, using a mattress stitch or preferred seaming method
• Blocking and finishing – the completed pieces are dampened and dressed to shape before assembly, following Rowan's recommended finishing process
• Stitch markers – used during construction to mark pattern repeats and shaping points
• Use of a cable needle or auxiliary needle – listed as a required extra, suggesting use in stitch management or pattern construction

Stitches Used

• Drop stitch pattern (Fallmaschenmuster) – the primary stitch pattern used throughout the cardigan, creating an open, airy, ladder-like texture that is particularly well-suited to the linen-blend yarn
• Knit and purl stitches – the foundation of all construction and shaping rows
• Cast-off and pick-up techniques – used at the neckline to rejoin yarn and continue working across held stitches

The drop stitch pattern is a technique in which stitches are intentionally dropped from the needle and allowed to ladder down a set number of rows, creating elongated, open columns of yarn. This produces a lightweight, drapey fabric with a striking visual texture. It is a beginner-accessible technique that delivers a high-impact result, making it ideal for a first foray into textured stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Creative Linen, a DK weight yarn sold in 100 g balls. The quantity required varies by size, ranging from 3 to 5 balls depending on the chosen size. Rowan Creative Linen is a natural fibre blend that combines the breathability and drape of linen with the softness of cotton, making it particularly well-suited to the open drop stitch fabric of this design. The yarn's slight texture and matte finish enhance the visual definition of