Free Knit Pattern for Women's Cardigan in Rowan Brushed Fleece

Free Knit Pattern for Women’s Cardigan in Rowan Brushed Fleece, (downloadable PDF).

Create a classic and comfortable cardigan with this free, downloadable Rowan knitting pattern for women! This design uses the luxuriously soft Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, resulting in a warm and inviting garment. Available in sizes S to XXL (to fit bust 32-50 inches), this intermediate-level pattern features simple stockinette stitch with ribbed details and shaping for a flattering fit.

The pattern includes comprehensive instructions for the back, fronts, sleeves, and a buttoned front band, with techniques like decreases, increases, picking up stitches, and creating buttonholes. Knit a timeless wardrobe staple with this free Rowan cardigan pattern!

Skill Level: Not explicitly stated. The shaping and buttonhole band suggest an intermediate skill level.
Yarn Used: Rowan Brushed Fleece (50gm balls). Number of balls: 9 (S), 10 (M), 11 (L), 12 (XL), 13 (XXL). Sample color: Tarn Dégradé 275.
Needles:
- 5mm (US 8) needles (for ribbing)
- 6mm (US 10) needles (for main body)
- 5mm (US 8) circular needle, 80 cm long (for front band)
Gauge: 13 stitches and 19 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch using 6mm needles.
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL. To fit bust:
- S: 81-86 cm (32-34 inches)
- M: 91-97 cm (36-38 inches)
- L: 102-107 cm (40-42 inches)
- XL: 112-117 cm (44-46 inches)
- XXL: 122-127 cm (48-50 inches)
Construction: The cardigan is knit in pieces (Back, Left Front, Right Front, Sleeves) and seamed. It features a buttoned front band.
- Back: Starts with ribbing, then stockinette stitch. Armholes are shaped, followed by shoulder and back neck shaping.
- Left Front and Right Front: Begin with ribbing, then stockinette stitch. A front slope is shaped with decreases. Armhole and shoulder shaping are worked. The Right Front mirrors the Left Front, with shapings reversed.
- Sleeves: Start with ribbing, then stockinette stitch with increases for shaping. Markers are placed to indicate the top of the sleeve, and the sleeve is worked straight to the cast-off edge (no sleeve cap shaping). This creates a “square set-in” sleeve.
- Front Band: Stitches are picked up along both front edges and the back neck, and a ribbed band is worked. Buttonholes are created on the right front band.
Techniques Used: Ribbing (K2, P2 variations), stockinette stitch, decreasing (K2tog, dec 1 st), increasing (inc 1 st), casting on, casting off, picking up stitches, seaming (back stitch or mattress stitch), square set-in sleeve method, buttonhole creation (work 2 tog, yrn).
Buttons: 5 buttons are needed.