Kelly In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle - Downloadable PDF

Kelly Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Kelly cardigan is a beautifully crafted design by Lisa Richardson, published by Rowan as a downloadable PDF pattern (reference ZB381-00008-EN). Worked in the luxurious Rowan Alpaca Sparkle DK weight yarn, this garment combines everyday wearability with a touch of glamour, making it a versatile addition to any handknitter's wardrobe. The pattern is rated advanced beginner, making it an excellent next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to tackle structured garment construction.

What Is Being Made

Kelly is a classic front-opening cardigan featuring two patch-style pocket linings, a shaped front slope, and a neat ribbed hem and border. The garment is designed with a relaxed, wearable silhouette and is available across a wide range of sizes to fit a chest measurement of 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm (28–30 in to 60–62 in), with actual garment chest measurements ranging from 109 cm to 192.5 cm (43 in to 75¾ in). The cardigan fastens with 5 buttons, specified as TGB4677 grey mother of pearl 23mm buttons from Textile Garden, lending the finished piece an elegant, polished detail.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Alpaca Sparkle, a DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The sample shown in the pattern photography is worked in the colourway Ballet Slipper 10022. Depending on size, the pattern requires between 7 and 13 balls. Rowan Alpaca Sparkle is a yarn that blends the softness and warmth of alpaca fibre with a subtle metallic sparkle, giving the finished cardigan a delicate shimmer that elevates it beyond an everyday knit.

Needles and Tools

• 1 pair of 6mm (UK no. 4 / US 10) straight needles for the main body and pocket linings
• 1 x 6mm (UK no. 4 / US 10) circular needle, at least 120 cm long, used for picking up and working the button and front bands

Tension

The required tension is 13 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 6mm needles. As with all garment knitting, achieving the correct tension swatch before casting on is strongly recommended, particularly given the range of sizes available and the structured shaping involved.

Techniques and Construction

Kelly is constructed in separate flat pieces — a back, left front, right front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method gives the cardigan its clean, structured finish and is well suited to advanced beginner knitters building confidence with garment assembly.

Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Pocket lining construction: Two pocket linings are knitted separately in stocking stitch and placed on holders before being incorporated into the fronts. Stitches for the pocket opening are slipped onto a holder and replaced with the live stitches of the pocket lining — a neat technique that creates an integrated, invisible pocket.
• Front slope shaping: The left and right fronts are shaped with decreases along the front edge to create the characteristic V-shaped or angled neckline typical of a classic cardigan silhouette.
• Shoulder shaping: Worked in relation to the back piece, ensuring the fronts and back align correctly at the shoulder seam.
• Picking up stitches for button bands: The long circular needle is used to pick up stitches along the front edges and work the button and buttonhole bands, a technique that gives a professional, even finish to the cardigan opening.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st): The main body fabric, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. Stocking stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric that showcases the subtle