Fritton in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca - Downloadable PDF

Fritton in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca Cardigan

What is Being Made

Fritton is a top-down seamless cardigan designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches chest measurement. The finished garment chest measurements range from 37½ inches to 70 inches, offering a comfortable fit across a wide range of body sizes. This intermediate-level knitting project is crafted using Mode at Rowan's Softest Alpaca yarn in a chunky weight, creating a luxurious and soft finished garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Fritton cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and appeal. As a top-down seamless design, the cardigan is worked from the neckline downward in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish. The pattern utilizes the magic loop method or double-pointed needles for working the cuffs, providing flexibility in construction technique. Stitch markers are essential throughout the project to track pattern repeats and shaping increases.

The design incorporates strategic increases to shape the garment, with the M1R (make 1 right) technique used to create new stitches for expanding the width. Working in the round for the body sections is a central feature of this seamless construction method, allowing for even distribution of stitches and consistent shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Fritton cardigan is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates the classic smooth, V-shaped texture characteristic of knitted fabrics. The pattern specifies that tension should be measured over stockinette stitch at 18 stitches and 24 rows or rounds per 10 centimeters when using the recommended 5.5mm needles. The cuffs are worked in a different stitch structure, likely ribbing, which provides elasticity and helps the cuffs hold their shape around the wrists.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Fritton cardigan is designed to be knitted with Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca yarn in a chunky weight. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest sizes up to 13 balls for the largest size. The photographed sample is shown in the colorway Pebble 013. The total yardage and fiber content make this an investment piece that showcases the luxurious qualities of alpaca fiber.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires 5mm (US 8) circular needles measuring 40 centimeters for initial setup, and 5.5mm (US 9) circular needles in lengths ranging from 80 to 160 centimeters depending on the size being knitted. A set of 5mm (US 8) double-pointed needles is needed for working the cuffs using traditional dpn techniques, or alternatively, circular needles can be used with the magic loop method for those preferring that technique.

Additional notions required include:

• 8 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and shaping
• Stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches
• 5 buttons for the cardigan front closure

Pattern Difficulty and Construction Details

Rated as an intermediate-level pattern, the Fritton cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle seamless garment construction. The top-down seamless method requires understanding of increases, working in the round, and managing multiple stitch markers simultaneously. The pattern includes special abbreviations and detailed instructions for techniques such as M1R (make 1 right) increases, which are worked by inserting the needle under the strand between stitches to create new stitches for shaping.

This downloadable PDF pattern from Mode at Rowan provides a comprehensive guide to creating a sophisticated, wearable cardigan that showcases the softness and drape of alpaca yarn in a timeless silhouette.