Lara Cardigan in Rowan Big Wool - Downloadable PDF

Lara Cardigan in Rowan Big Wool by Quail Studio – Pattern Summary

The Lara Cardigan is a beautifully simple knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio for Rowan, worked in the brand's iconic Big Wool super chunky yarn. Released in 2020, this pattern (ZB241-00007-UK) is available as a downloadable PDF and is ideally suited to beginner knitters looking for a satisfying, quick-to-knit project that delivers a stylish, cosy result.

What Is Being Made

The Lara is a classic women's cardigan featuring a structured back, shaped back neck, and separate left and right fronts. The garment is designed with a relaxed, generous fit — the actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranges from 114 cm to 166 cm (approximately 45 to 65¼ inches), making it suitable for a wide range of sizes covering a to-fit bust of 71–127 cm (28–50 inches). The cardigan is photographed in Glum 056, a shade from the Rowan Big Wool palette, giving it a contemporary, understated aesthetic that works beautifully in the super chunky weight.

Construction and Techniques

The Lara Cardigan is knitted flat in separate pieces — back, left front, and right front — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method is excellent for beginner knitters as it allows each section to be worked individually and checked before assembly. Key construction techniques include:

• Back neck shaping – stitches are worked on each side of the neck separately after dividing, with remaining stitches held on a stitch holder for a neat, professional finish
• Shoulder shaping – shoulders are cast off to create a clean, structured shoulder line
• Stitch holders – used to hold centre back neck stitches (17–19 stitches depending on size) while each side of the neck is completed
• Decreasing – a single decrease at the neck edge shapes the back neck smoothly
• Separate front pieces – the left front (and by extension the right front) are worked as individual panels, allowing for any button band or front edge finishing

Stitches Used

As a beginner-level pattern worked in super chunky yarn, the Lara Cardigan relies on straightforward, accessible stitches. Based on the pattern content, the primary stitch used is:

• Knit stitch (K) – the dominant stitch referenced throughout the shaping rows, suggesting a largely stocking stitch or garter stitch fabric typical of Rowan Big Wool designs at this skill level
• Decreases – used at neck edges to shape the garment neatly
• Cast off – used at shoulder points to finish each section cleanly

The simplicity of the stitch pattern is part of what makes the Lara so appealing for newer knitters — the chunky gauge means progress is fast and the fabric is easy to read and correct.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Rowan Big Wool, a super chunky weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The quantity required ranges from 10 to 13 balls depending on the size being knitted. The yarn is photographed in Glum 056, though knitters may substitute any colourway from the Big Wool range. Rowan Big Wool is a 100% merino wool yarn known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and the satisfying speed at which it knits up on large needles — making it a favourite for chunky, wearable garments like this cardigan.

The pattern specifies 1 pair of knitting needles for working the flat pieces, sized appropriately for the super chunky weight of Rowan Big Wool (typically 10 mm needles, as recommended by Rowan for this yarn). Stitch holders are also required for managing the back neck and shoulder stitches during