Pine Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Classic - RTP002-0003-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Pine Cardigan by Quail Studio in Rowan Alpaca Classic – Pattern Summary

The Pine Cardigan is a classic, elegantly structured knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio and published as part of the Rowan pattern collection. Released as a downloadable PDF under pattern reference RTP002-0003-DEP, this design is worked in DK weight yarn and rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with shaping, ribbing, and working multiple garment pieces. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in Snowflake White 115, giving the finished cardigan a crisp, timeless appearance.

What Is Being Made

The Pine Cardigan is a full-length, set-in or drop-shoulder style cardigan featuring a structured front opening, shaped front panels, set-in sleeves, and a neat rear neckband. The garment is constructed in separate pieces — a back, a left front, a right front, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. A rear neckband is worked as a finishing strip and sewn into place. The cardigan is designed to fit a wide range of bust measurements, making it a highly versatile pattern suitable for many body types.

Sizes and Fit

The Pine Cardigan is available in nine sizes, designed to fit the following bust measurements:

• 71–76 cm
• 81–86 cm
• 91–97 cm
• 102–107 cm
• 112–117 cm
• 122–127 cm
• 132–137 cm
• 142–147 cm
• 152–157 cm

The actual knitted bust measurements range from 89.5 cm to 169.5 cm, reflecting positive ease built into the design for a relaxed, comfortable fit. This generous size range makes the Pine Cardigan an inclusive pattern suitable for a broad spectrum of knitters.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Rowan Alpaca Classic, a luxuriously soft DK weight yarn sold in 25 g balls. The number of balls required varies by size, ranging from 11 to 15 balls depending on the chosen size. Rowan Alpaca Classic is known for its fine alpaca content, which lends the finished fabric a beautiful drape, a subtle halo, and exceptional softness against the skin — qualities that make it particularly well suited to a relaxed, wearable cardigan like the Pine.

The pattern calls for 3¾ mm straight knitting needles as the primary tool. An optional circular needle of at least 80 cm in length, also in 3¾ mm, is recommended for the back piece when the stitch count becomes large, allowing the knitter to work back and forth in rows more comfortably without the stitches becoming crowded.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished garment. The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 3¾ mm needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size as needed to match this gauge precisely.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Stocking Stitch

Stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch) forms the main fabric of the Pine Cardigan. It is worked by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. The result is a smooth, flat fabric on the right side and a textured, bumpy surface on the wrong side. Stocking stitch is one of the most fundamental and widely used knitting stitches, prized for its clean appearance and the way it showcases yarn colour and texture.

Rib Stitch