Bo Cardigan in Rowan Denim Revive - ZB296-00003-FR - Downloadable PDF

Bo Cardigan in Rowan Denim Revive – Pattern Summary (ZB296-00003-FR)

The Bo Cardigan is a beautifully crafted knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. This pattern (reference ZB296-00003-FR) is available as a downloadable PDF and is written in French, making it an excellent choice for French-speaking knitters of intermediate skill level. The Bo Cardigan is a classic, wearable garment featuring thoughtful construction details including integrated patch pockets, ribbed welts, and a decorative stitch pattern throughout the body.

What Is Being Made

The Bo Cardigan is a full-length cardigan worked in separate pieces — back, left front, right front, sleeves, and pocket linings — and then seamed together. It is designed to fit a range of chest sizes:

• Actual bust measurements: 96 cm, 106.5 cm, 117 cm, 125.5 cm, 136 cm, and 146.5 cm
• Intended for chest sizes: 81–86 cm, 91–97 cm, 102–107 cm, 112–117 cm, 122–127 cm, and 132–137 cm

The garment includes two patch pocket linings that are knitted separately and later integrated into the fronts, adding both a practical and polished finishing detail. The cardigan is photographed in Cream 210, showcasing the delicate texture of the stitch pattern against the soft tones of the yarn.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Denim Revive, a DK weight yarn, worked in the shade Cream 210 as shown in the sample photography. The quantity required varies by size:

• 14 to 22 x 50g balls depending on the size being knitted

Rowan Denim Revive is a yarn that evokes the character and texture of denim fabric, making it a distinctive and contemporary choice for a classic cardigan silhouette. Its DK weight ensures the fabric is neither too heavy nor too light, producing a garment with excellent drape and structure.

Needles Required

The Bo Cardigan requires a selection of needle sizes to achieve the correct tension and to work the different sections of the garment:

• One pair of 3.25 mm (no. 3¼) needles – used for the ribbed welts and borders
• One pair of 3.75 mm (no. 3¾) needles – used for the main body and stitch pattern sections
• One 3.25 mm (no. 3¼) circular needle – used for picking up and working the front bands or neckband

Using two needle sizes is a standard technique in garment knitting that allows the ribbed sections to be worked at a tighter tension, creating neat, elastic edges that hold their shape, while the main fabric is worked at a slightly looser tension for comfort and drape.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Ribbing

The welts, cuffs, and borders of the Bo Cardigan are worked in rib stitch. The back and fronts each begin with 18 rows of rib on the smaller 3.25 mm needles before transitioning to the main stitch pattern. Ribbing is a classic technique that creates a stretchy, structured edge, helping the cardigan to sit neatly at the hem and cuffs.

Stocking Stitch (Jersey / Stockinette)

The pocket linings are worked entirely in stocking stitch (referred to as jersey endroit in the French text), beginning with a wrong-side row and ending after a set number of right-side rows. Each pocket lining begins with 31 to 35 stitches depending on size, and a decrease row is worked on the final wrong-side row to reduce the stitch count to 27–31 stitches before the stitches are placed on hold. This shaping ensures the pocket sits smoothly within the front panel.