Inga Cardigan in MODE at Rowan Alpaca Haze and Cotton DK

Inga Cardigan – Knitting Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Inga Cardigan is a beautifully crafted knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio and published under the Mode at Rowan brand. This intermediate-level knitting pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and delivers a relaxed, textured layering piece with a generous, comfortable silhouette. The design is worked using a luxurious two-yarn held-together technique that combines the softness of alpaca with the structure of cotton, resulting in a fabric with exceptional drape and a subtly hazy, tactile surface.

Sizing and Fit

The Inga Cardigan is offered in an impressive range of nine sizes, designed to fit chest measurements from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in). The actual garment chest measurements range from 110.5 cm (43½ in) to 190.5 cm (75 in), indicating a deliberately relaxed and oversized fit with generous positive ease throughout the size range. This makes it an inclusive and versatile pattern suitable for a wide variety of body types.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a long-line or classic-style cardigan featuring a structured back, shaped left and right fronts with shoulder shaping, and a neat finishing band worked on a long circular needle. The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — back and fronts — which are then seamed and finished with a continuous band. A stitch holder is used during construction to hold stitches in reserve, and stitch markers assist with pattern placement and shaping.

Yarns and Materials

The Inga Cardigan is knitted using two yarns held together simultaneously throughout, creating a blended fabric that combines the best qualities of each fibre:

• Yarn A – Cotton DK in shade Fossil 016 (50 g balls): A DK-weight cotton yarn that provides stitch definition, structure, and breathability. Quantities range from 15 to 23 balls depending on size.
• Yarn B – Alpaca Haze in shade Capri 019 (25 g balls): A sport/haze-weight alpaca yarn that adds a soft, airy halo and warmth to the fabric. Quantities range from 8 to 12 balls depending on size.

Holding one strand of each yarn together creates a fabric that sits between a DK and a light worsted weight in terms of density, with a delicate alpaca bloom over a crisp cotton base. Both yarns are from the Mode at Rowan collection.

Needles and Notions

• 1 pair of 4.5 mm (US 7) straight needles for the main body pieces
• 1 x 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needle, at least 140 cm long, used for working the front and neck band
• Stitch holder for holding stitches during shaping
• Stitch markers for pattern and shaping reference points

Tension

The recommended tension is 23 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 4.5 mm (US 7) needles with one strand each of Cotton DK and Alpaca Haze held together, measured unblocked. Achieving the correct tension before beginning is essential, particularly given the wide size range and the use of two yarns together.

Techniques and Construction

The Inga Cardigan is worked using flat knitting on straight needles for the main body sections, with the band picked up and worked on a long circular needle. Key techniques include:

• Two-yarn held-together knitting – working with one strand of Cotton DK and one strand of Alpaca Haze simultaneously throughout
• Stitch pattern repeats – a two-row repeating stitch pattern forms the main fabric texture