Basic Cardigan in 4 yarn-weights
This pattern includes instructions for four different yarn weights: fingering, dk, worsted and bulky.
Pattern is a digital file which can be downloaded via a secure link sent by e-mail.
Good days begin with a cardigan. The Cleome Smith Basic Cardigan pattern features yarn-over increases along the raglan “seams” to lend a delicate structure to its’ minimal design. The fit is meant to have a modest amount of ease and a length that hits just below the waist for a classic look. Knit in one piece from the top down, it would make an ideal first sweater project for the beginner knitter.
Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X) to fit bust sizes 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52, 54-56) inches / 76-81 (86-91, 96-101, 107-112, 117-122, 127-132, 137-142) cm
Finished chest: (when buttoned) 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58) inches / 86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 116.75, 127, 137, 147) cm)
Finished length (at centre front): 18 (19, 19½, 20½, 21½, 22½, 24) inches / 46 (48.25, 49.5, 52, 54.5, 57, 61) cm
Additional pattern information:
Gauge
fingering: 26 sts and 40 rows to 4”/10cm on US size 3 (3.25mm) needles in stockinette stitch
dk: 21 sts and 28 rows to 4”/10cm on US size 6 (4mm) needles in stockinette stitch
worsted: 16 sts and 22 rows to 4”/10cm on US size 8 (5mm) needles in stockinette stitch
bulky: 11 sts and 15 rows to 4”/10cm on US size 11 (8mm) needles in stockinette stitch
Skills Necessary
knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, transferring stitches to stitch holder, casting on and binding off
Yarn Requirements
fingering: 1290 (1380, 1650, 1920, 2240, 2500, 2760) yds / 1180 (1265, 1510, 1755, 2050, 2285, 2525) m of fingering weight yarn
dk: 1040 (1180, 1410, 1630, 1740, 1920, 2100) yds / 950 (1080, 1290, 1490, 1590, 1755, 1920) m of dk weight yarn
worsted: 770 (850, 990, 1145, 1280, 1370, 1480) yds / 705 (778, 905, 1047, 1170, 1253, 1353) m of worsted weight yarn
bulky: 560 (640, 720, 800, 880, 960, 1100) yds / 512 (585, 658, 732, 805, 878, 1006) m of bulky weight yarn
Suggested Yarn
fingering: 6 (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) 1.75oz/50g balls Drops Flora (65% wool, 35% Alpaca, 230 yds/210 m) in 01 “Off White”
dk: 10 (11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20) 1.75oz/50g balls Drops Lima (65% wool, 35% Alpaca, 109 yds/100 m) in 9020 “Pearl Grey Mix”
worsted: 11 (12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21) 1.75oz/50g balls Drops Alaska (100% wool, 76.5 yds/70 m) in 04 “Grey Mix”
bulky: 11 (12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21) 1.75oz/50g balls Drops Snow (100% wool, 54 yds/50 m) in 14 “Dark Grey Mix”
Needles
fingering:
16” and 32" circular needles in US size 3 (3.25mm) (or needle size to obtain gauge)
double pointed needles in US size 3 (3.25mm)
dk:
16” and 32" circular needles in US size 6 (4mm) (or needle size to obtain gauge)
double pointed needles in US size 6 (4mm)
worsted:
16” and 32" circular needles in US size 9 (5.5mm) (or needle size to obtain gauge)
double pointed needles in US size 9 (5.5mm)
bulky:
16” and 32" circular needles in US size 11 (8mm) (or needle size to obtain gauge)
double pointed needles in US size 11 (8mm)
Notions
tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, scrap yarn or stitch holders, measuring tape, buttons
Pattern Notes
This cardigan is knitted from the top down meaning that it is essentially knit upside-down by beginning by casting on stitches at the neckline and working down to the underarms where stitches are then separated into left front bodice, left sleeve, back bodice, right sleeve, and right front bodice. The sleeve stitches are put on holders while front and back bodice is worked back and forth as a whole on circular or straight needles. Once bodice is completed, stitches of one sleeve are picked up and sleeve worked and completed. The same procedure is then completed for the second sleeve therefore there is no sewing or seaming necessary to finish the garment.
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