Go-To Cardigan Using Rowan Felted Tweed
The Design
We set out to create a knit that had the comfort and ease of a grandfather’s cardigan, with a little more style. The one you want to wrap up in on the weekend, but can wear to work and feel well dressed. The one you can knit in this cozy woolly yarn or a sleek linen blend.
We couldn’t help but choose Rowan Felted Tweed for our first woolly version, given our penchant for its rustic-yet-refined look. Merino wool adds softness and spring, and alpaca and viscose result in a fabric with perfect drape, luster and subtle stitch definition. Plus it blocks beautifully and seams like a dream. Katya is wearing a size small on a 38" bust in color 145. We graded the Go-To Cardigan in five sizes, but we recognize that no two women are alike.
The Details
SIZES
This cardigan is designed with approx. 4–6" of ease, but because the shoulder is dropped slightly, it’s a little more forgiving in the fit. You can choose a size that will fit more closely or more oversized.
Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL). Information given for XS; S, M, L, XL in parentheses ( ).
Finished bust: 37½ (42½, 47, 50½, 53½):/95 (108, 119.5, 128, 136)cm, after seaming, including front band.
To fit bust: 32–34 (36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50)"/81–86 (91–96, 101–106, 112–117, 122–127)cm.
LENGTHS
Finished body length:
Measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem. 26 (26½, 27, 27½, 28)"/66 (67.5, 68.5, 70, 71)cm.
Center back neck to cuff: 28½ (29½, 30¾, 31¾, 32¾)"/72.5 (75, 78, 80.5, 83)cm.
YARN
7 (8, 8, 9, 10) skeins Rowan Felted Tweed (191yds/175m each). Shown in size S on 38"/96.5cm bust, in Color 145.
Or approx. 1200 (1350, 1475, 1600, 1750) yds/1100 (1250, 1350, 1470, 1580)m of a DK-weight yarn that typically knits at 22 sts to 4"/10cm.
To lengthen or shorten body: Add or subtract approx. 30 (33, 36, 38, 41) yds/27 (30, 33, 35, 37)m of yarn per 1"/2.5cm of knitted length.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (4mm) 24"/60cm circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) 24"/60cm circular needle, or 2 US sizes/.5mm smaller than gauge needle.
2 ring markers; 10 locking markers; 4 stitch holders (we like to use extra circular needles, in gauge size or smaller, so we can knit off holders from either end); darning needle to finish.
Five 5/8"/16mm buttons; needle and thread.
GAUGE
20 sts/32 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.
Digital Go-To Cardigan pattern. (Download)
Printed Go-To Cardigan pattern. (Requires shipping.)
COLOR: 150 Rage. Red hot red.
COLOR: 178 Seasalter. Navy, on the bright side.
COLOR: 153 Phantom. Warm woodsy brown.
COLOR: 172 Ancient. Is it grey or is it green?.
COLOR: 186 Tawny. Warm magenta.
COLOR: 187 Hedgerow. Medium golden green.
COLOR: 145 Treacle. Plummy brown (think molasses).
COLOR: 170 Seafarer. Nautical charcoal navy.
COLOR: 159 Carbon. Smoky grey with a smudge of blue.
COLOR: 177 Clay. Pale earthenware bisque.
