Birdhouse in Rowan Moordale - ZB297-00009-UK - Downloadable PDF

Birdhouse by Martin Storey – Rowan Moordale Knitting Pattern (ZB297-00009-UK)

Birdhouse is an advanced-level knitting pattern by celebrated designer Martin Storey, published by Rowan in 2021 and available as a downloadable PDF. The pattern presents two distinct patterned cardigan designs — a longer patterned cardigan and a shorter patterned cardigan — both worked in richly detailed colourwork and sharing the same construction principles. These are substantial, skill-testing projects ideal for experienced knitters looking to create a beautiful, heirloom-quality garment.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two versions of a patterned cardigan, differentiated primarily by length. Both cardigans feature all-over colourwork patterning and are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements:

• 81–86 cm (32–34 in)
• 91–97 cm (36–38 in)
• 102–107 cm (40–42 in)
• 112–117 cm (44–46 in)
• 122–127 cm (48–50 in)

The actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranges from 89.5 cm (35¼ in) up to 129.5 cm (51 in) across the size range, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit with a modest amount of ease.

Longer Patterned Cardigan

The longer version of the Birdhouse cardigan is a statement piece with extended length, making it a versatile layering garment. It requires slightly more yarn than the shorter version, reflecting its additional coverage and visual impact.

Shorter Patterned Cardigan

The shorter patterned cardigan offers the same intricate colourwork detailing in a more cropped silhouette. One specific colourway referenced in the pattern is Pewter 012, giving knitters a concrete starting point when selecting their palette.

Yarn and Materials

Both cardigans are knitted in Rowan Moordale, a DK weight yarn sold in 100g balls. Moordale is a Rowan yarn known for its warmth and stitch definition, making it particularly well suited to colourwork projects where clarity of pattern is essential.

The pattern uses two colours, referred to as Yarn A and Yarn B, throughout both the ribbing and the main colourwork sections. Yarn requirements vary by size and version:

• Longer patterned cardigan – Yarn A: 4, 5, 5, 5, or 6 x 100g balls depending on size
• Longer patterned cardigan – Yarn B: 1, 1, 1, 1, or 2 x 100g balls depending on size
• Shorter patterned cardigan – Yarn A: 4, 4, 5, 5, or 5 x 100g balls depending on size

The contrast between the two yarn colours is central to the design's visual character, with Yarn A forming the dominant background and Yarn B used for the ribbing detail and colourwork accents.

Needles

The pattern calls for two needle sizes:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles — used for the two-colour ribbed welts and edgings
• 4mm (US 6) needles — used for the main body worked in fairisle colourwork pattern

Knitters should always check their tension swatch before beginning, as achieving the correct gauge is especially important in colourwork garments where even small deviations can significantly affect the finished size.

Techniques Used

Two-Colour Rib

The cast-on edges and edgings of both cardigans begin with a two-colour rib worked over 10 rows using the smaller 3¼mm needles. This ribbing is constructed by alternating between Yarn A and Yarn B