Sky (DE) in Rowan - Downloadable PDF

Sky (DE) by Lisa Richardson for Rowan – Knitting Pattern Summary

Sky (DE) is a chunky-weight cardigan knitting pattern by designer Lisa Richardson, published by Rowan as a downloadable PDF (reference ZB304-00011-DE). The pattern is written in German and is rated as intermediate in difficulty. It is designed to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm, making it an inclusive and versatile design for knitters of varying sizes. The knitted bust measurement ranges from 82.5 cm to 165 cm, offering generous positive ease for a relaxed, cosy fit.

Design Overview

Sky is a colourwork cardigan worked in a classic Norwegian stranded technique (Norwegermuster), giving the finished garment a bold, textured visual character. A standout feature of the design is the inclusion of patch pockets, which are knitted separately and then integrated into the fronts, adding both practical function and a charming design detail. The cardigan fastens with three leather-look shank buttons, 2.5 cm in diameter, lending a tactile, rustic finish that complements the tweedy yarn palette.

Construction and Techniques

The pattern is worked in separate pieces — a back, left front, right front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key construction techniques include:

• Norwegian stranded colourwork (Norwegertechnik): Two colours are carried across each row to create the repeating six-stitch colourwork motif, which is repeated across each row according to the size being worked. This technique requires knitters to manage yarn tension carefully to keep the fabric flat and even.
• Garter stitch borders (kraus rechts): The lower edges of the back and fronts begin with eight rows of garter stitch, creating a neat, non-curling hem that frames the colourwork body.
• Pocket linings (Taschenbeutel): Two pocket linings are knitted separately in stocking stitch before being placed on hold on a spare needle and later joined to the front pieces during construction.
• Side shaping: Decreases are worked at the beginning of specific rows on the fronts to shape the side seams, creating a subtly tailored silhouette.
• Stocking stitch (glatt rechts): Used for the pocket linings and portions of the garment body.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – used for the lower borders and cuffs
• Stocking stitch – used for pocket linings and structural sections
• Norwegian stranded colourwork – the primary stitch pattern for the body and sleeves, worked from a charted six-stitch repeat motif

Tension / Gauge

The stated tension is 16 stitches and 18 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured over the Norwegian colourwork pattern using 5.5 mm needles (size 9 US). Achieving the correct tension is especially important in stranded colourwork, as carrying two yarns simultaneously can tighten the fabric if not managed carefully. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed.

Materials

Yarn

The pattern calls for Rowan Tweed Haze, a chunky-weight yarn, in two colourways:

• Colour A – Sunset 557: 5 to 8 x 50 g balls depending on size
• Colour B – Winter 550: 3 to 5 x 50 g balls depending on size

Rowan Tweed Haze is a characterful chunky yarn with a tweedy texture, well suited to colourwork due to its rustic, slightly hazy surface that softens colour transitions and adds warmth and depth to the finished fabric.

Needles

• 5.5 mm straight or circular knitting needles – used for borders and initial cast-on sections
• 6 mm straight kn