Winterton in Mode at Rowan Merino Soft & Alpaca Haze - Downloadable PDF

Winterton Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Quail Studio – Mode at Rowan Merino Soft & Alpaca Haze

The Winterton is a relaxed, generously sized cardigan designed by Quail Studio as part of the Mode at Rowan collection. This downloadable PDF knitting pattern produces a cosy, textural open-front cardigan worked entirely in K1, P1 rib, giving the finished garment a beautifully stretchy, squishy fabric with a classic yet contemporary aesthetic. The design is rated beginner level, making it an ideal project for newer knitters looking to build confidence while working with luxurious fibres.

What Is Being Made

The Winterton is a ribbed cardigan available in three generous size ranges to fit a chest measurement of 71–97 cm (28–38 in), 102–127 cm (40–50 in), and 132–157 cm (52–62 in), with actual garment chest measurements of 103 cm, 118 cm, and 128¾ cm respectively. The silhouette is oversized and relaxed, with sleeve width integrated into the back and front pieces rather than worked separately — a clever construction detail noted in the pattern.

Construction Technique

The Winterton is constructed with the sleeves worked as part of the back and front pieces, meaning the sleeve width is incorporated directly into the main body sections rather than being seamed on afterwards. The back is worked as one piece, while the left and right fronts are worked separately. This approach simplifies the finishing process and is particularly well suited to beginner knitters. A long circular needle of at least 100 cm is used throughout to accommodate the large stitch counts involved, particularly for the back piece which casts on 187, 213, or 233 stitches depending on the size.

Stitches Used

• K1, P1 rib — the sole stitch pattern used throughout the entire garment, worked consistently across the back, left front, and right front
• The rib is worked flat on a circular needle, with right-side rows beginning with a knit stitch and following the established knit one, purl one repeat to the last stitch

The simplicity of the K1, P1 rib stitch pattern is what makes this design so accessible for beginners. Rib fabric naturally pulls in and then relaxes when blocked, creating a fabric that is both elastic and drapey — ideal for a cardigan silhouette. The tension is measured over this rib stitch after blocking, which is an important step when working with natural fibres.

Yarn and Materials

The Winterton is worked holding one strand of each yarn together throughout, combining two Mode at Rowan yarns to create a blended, halo-rich fabric with warmth and depth of colour.

• Yarn A – Merino Soft (50 g balls) in shade Clay 011: required in quantities of 17, 21, or 24 balls depending on size. Merino Soft is an aran weight yarn, providing the structural body of the fabric.
• Yarn B – Alpaca Haze (25 g balls) in shade Silk 013: required in quantities of 6, 8, or 9 balls depending on size. Alpaca Haze is a sport weight yarn with a delicate, airy halo that adds softness and a subtle sheen when held alongside the Merino Soft.

Holding these two yarns together produces a fabric that benefits from the structure and stitch definition of Merino Soft combined with the ethereal, lightweight warmth of Alpaca Haze — a pairing that elevates the simple ribbed stitch into something truly luxurious.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for a 6 mm (US 10, No. 4) circular needle at least 100 cm long. The recommended tension is 14 stitches and 22 rows to 10 cm, measured over K1, P1 rib using 6