Rose Cardigan in Rowan Felted Tweed DK (DE) - Downloadable PDF

Rose Cardigan by Lisa Richardson in Rowan Felted Tweed DK – Pattern Summary

The Rose Cardigan is a beautifully crafted women's knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF in German (DE), this pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and offers an impressive range of nine sizes to suit a wide variety of figures. The finished garment features a classic, elegant silhouette with shaped fronts, set-in sleeves, a garter stitch border detail, and a neat button band fastening — making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for both casual and smart occasions.

Sizes and Fit

The Rose Cardigan is worked 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, and 152–157 cm

The corresponding actual knitted bust measurements range from approximately 101.5 cm to 183.5 cm, providing generous positive ease across the size range. This wide size inclusivity makes the Rose Cardigan an excellent choice for knitters of many body types.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed DK, a beloved 50 g DK-weight yarn known for its beautiful tweedy texture, subtle halo, and rich colour depth. Two colourways are specified:

• Colour A – Seasalter 178: used as the main body colour for the back, sleeves, and right front
• Colour B – Cumin 193: used as a contrast colour, most notably for the left front and garter stitch border sections

The two-colour combination of Seasalter and Cumin creates a warm, earthy palette that complements the rustic character of Felted Tweed DK beautifully. The yarn's slightly felted finish gives the finished cardigan a soft, tactile quality with excellent stitch definition.

Needles and Notions

• Straight knitting needles in sizes 3.25 mm and 3.75 mm
• One circular knitting needle, size 3.25 mm, at least 100 cm long (used for the button band or neckband)
• 3 wooden buttons, 1.8 cm in diameter

Tension / Gauge

The stated tension is 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10 × 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 3.75 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in a garment of this type, as it directly affects the fit across the bust, sleeve length, and overall drape. Knitters are advised to swatch carefully before beginning.

Construction and Techniques

The Rose Cardigan is knitted flat in separate pieces — a back, left front, right front, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method is well suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable working back and forth in rows and assembling garment pieces.

Stitch Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (glatt rechts): the primary stitch pattern used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Garter stitch (kraus rechts): worked over the first 6 rows of each piece using the smaller 3.25 mm needles, creating a neat, non-curling border at the cast-on edges
• Shaping decreases and increases: used extensively throughout the pattern for sleeve shaping, armhole shaping, front neck shaping, and shoulder shaping
• Shoulder shaping (Schulterschräge): worked using a series of cast-offs at the beginning of rows, creating a neat, angled shoulder seam
• Front slope shaping (vordere Schräge): gradual decreases along the front edges shape the V