Levi Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic (DE) - Downloadable PDF

Levi Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic

What Is Being Made

The Levi Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Georgia Farrell, crafted from Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn. This garment is available in nine different sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a structured construction with distinct front panels and a reversible stitch pattern that creates visual interest throughout the garment.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it appropriate for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The pattern requires familiarity with reading knitting instructions and managing multiple stitch patterns across different sections of the garment.

Techniques Used

The Levi Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques:

• Ribbed edging: The pattern begins with ribbed sections created using needle size 3¾, which provides structure and elasticity to the garment edges
• Stitch pattern repeats: The main body uses a repeating stitch pattern that alternates between knit and purl stitches to create texture and definition
• Directional shaping: The pattern includes increases and decreases to shape the left front panel and accommodate different bust sizes
• Multi-size construction: The instructions accommodate nine different sizes with specific stitch counts and measurements for each size option

Stitches Used

The Levi Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create its characteristic appearance:

• Knit stitch (K): Creates smooth, vertical columns in the fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Produces the reverse texture, creating visual contrast when alternated with knit stitches
• Ribbing: A combination of knit and purl stitches worked in vertical columns (7 stitches knit, 7 stitches purl pattern) that creates elasticity and a fitted appearance

The stitch pattern repeats in a 14-stitch repeat (7 knit stitches followed by 7 purl stitches), which is worked across multiple rows to build the textured fabric of the cardigan body.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Levi Cardigan is designed to be worked with Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn in a DK (double knit) weight. This yarn weight is versatile and creates a fabric with good drape and structure. The pattern specifies the use of needle size 3¾ for the ribbed sections and edgings. The yarn quantities required vary by size, ranging from 11 to 16 balls of 25-gram skeins depending on which size is being knitted. The pattern was photographed in two colorways: Cinnamon (size 118) and Champagne (size 127), showcasing the versatility of the design across different color options available in the Rowan Alpaca Classic range.

Pattern Structure

The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions for constructing the left front panel of the cardigan. Instructions are given for rows 1 through 33 and beyond, with specific stitch counts adjusted for each of the nine size options. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and German terminology (reflecting the German-language version of this pattern), with clear guidance on stitch placement and pattern repeats to ensure consistent results across the garment.