Dune in Rowan Summerlite Dk - Downloadable PDF

Dune Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK – Pattern Summary

Dune is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. It is available as a downloadable PDF and presents a classically constructed cardigan worked in the lightweight, warm-weather yarn Rowan Summerlite DK. The design is photographed in Mulberry 490, a rich, deep tone that showcases the textural stitch detail beautifully.

What Is Being Made

Dune is a knitted cardigan featuring a structured, fitted silhouette with carefully shaped fronts, a back, and set-in or tailored sleeves. The pattern includes a Left Front and corresponding Right Front, each worked separately, along with neck shaping and shoulder cast-offs that give the finished garment a clean, professional finish. The cardigan is designed to suit a wide range of sizes, with actual chest measurements spanning from approximately 96 cm (37¾ in) up to 177.5 cm (70 in), making it genuinely size-inclusive and suitable for a broad range of knitters.

Construction and Shaping Techniques

The Dune cardigan is worked in separate pieces — fronts, back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, a traditional construction method that produces excellent structure and drape. Key shaping techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Neck shaping worked by decreasing one stitch at the neck edge over successive rows, creating a smooth, tapered neckline
• Shoulder shaping achieved through casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, producing neat, stepped shoulder seams
• Separate working of each side of the neck, with yarn rejoined to the second side to mirror the first, ensuring symmetry
• Centre front cast-off for the neck opening, with a specified number of stitches cast off at the centre before each side is completed independently

Stitches Used

The Dune pattern makes use of a combination of classic knitting stitches and a distinctive twisted rib or textured rib construction. Key stitches and stitch techniques include:

• K1 tbl (knit one through the back loop) – this twisted knit stitch is a defining feature of the pattern, adding a subtle, refined texture and a slightly firmer fabric than standard stocking stitch
• P1 (purl one) – alternated with the twisted knit stitch to form the ribbed or textured pattern repeat
• A rib-style pattern set up on the first row as: P0 [varies by size], *K1 tbl, P1, repeat from * to last stitch, K1, creating a structured, elastic fabric that works well for cardigan fronts and body panels
• Standard cast-on and cast-off methods used at edges and for shaping

The use of K1 tbl throughout is a hallmark of Martin Storey's attention to detail — twisted stitches sit more upright than regular knit stitches, giving the fabric a crisper definition that complements the lightweight nature of the yarn.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Summerlite DK, a yarn sold in 50 g balls. Summerlite DK is a cotton-based yarn celebrated for its breathability, stitch clarity, and suitability for warm-weather knitting — making Dune an ideal spring or summer cardigan project. The yarn quantity required varies by size, ranging from 13 to 25 balls depending on the chest measurement chosen.

• Primary needles: 3¼ mm (US size 3) knitting needles, used for the main body and fronts
• Additional needle sizes may be specified within the full pattern for ribbing or finishing sections

Who Is This Pattern For

Rated as intermediate in difficulty, Dune is best suited to knitters who are comfortable working through the