First Cardigan Sweater by Jared Flood

Craft: Knitting

This pattern is available on Ravelry.

This stylish sweater was designed as a friendly introduction to cardigan knitting. Written using accessible language and basic techniques, this top-down design boasts clean lines and a flawless fit. Thoughtful details such as contiguous ribbing from the collar through the raglan shoulder lines and a cord selvedge elevate this cardigan from standard fare to essential staple. With a myriad of customizable options like collar and sleeve style, body length, and three sizes of charming, optional patch pockets, your sweater will be completely unique and entirely your own.

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Construction

This cardigan is worked flat from the top down. Knitting begins with the ribbed neckband, followed by a set of short rows to improve neckline fit. The raglan shoulder shaping begins during the short rows and continues throughout the yoke (the upper body).

After completion of the yoke, body and sleeves are separated and sleeve stitches are held on waste yarn while the remainder of the sweater body is worked flat. Held sleeve stitches are then returned to the needles and each sleeve is worked circularly from underarm to cuff.

The core pattern includes instructions for a standard ribbed neckband and long tapered sleeves; Appendix includes instructions for additional collar and sleeve options, including a fold-over neckband, a polo collar, and/or bloused sleeves.

The pattern provides three different body length options and two sleeve length options for differing styles. Choose from a semi-cropped, classic, or classic tall fit for the body length. The classic tall fit is recommended for wearers 5’9”/175.5 cm and taller.

Finished Dimensions

SIZES 1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7) (8, 9, 10, 11)

36 (40, 44, 48) (52, 56, 60) (64, 68, 72, 76)” [91.5 (101.5, 112, 122) (132, 142, 152.5) (162.5, 172.5, 183, 193) cm] chest circumference, buttoned.

To fit approximate chest sizes: 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44) (46-48, 50-52, 54-56) (58-60, 62-64, 66-68, 70-72) inches [76-81.5 (86.5-91.5, 96.5-101.5, 106.5-112) (117-122, 127-132, 137-142) (147.5-152.5, 157.5-162.5, 167.5-172.5, 178-183) cm]

Sample A (Size 2): Laura is 5’5”/165 cm tall and is modeling 6”/15 cm positive ease.

Sample B (Size 4): Anthony is 6’2”/188 cm tall and is modeling 9”/23 cm positive ease.

Sample C (Size 3): Laura is 5’5”/165 cm tall and is modeling 9½”/24 cm positive ease. Cadence is 5’8”/173 cm tall and is modeling 5¼”/13.5 cm positive ease.

Sample D (Size 3): Anthony is 6’2”/188 cm tall and is modeling 6½”/16.5 cm positive ease. Laura is 5’5”/165 cm tall and is modeling 10½”/26.5 cm positive ease.

Yarn

Brooklyn Tweed Imbue Worsted — 100% American Merino Wool (104 yards/95 meters per 50g skein)

11 (12, 14, 15) (16, 16^, 18) (19, 20, 21, 22) skeins

Cropped striped sample (A) with two pockets photographed in Crepe & Carbon

Classic tall sample (B) with ribbed folded neckband, bloused sleeves, and three pockets photographed in Warbler

Cropped polo collar sample (C) with three-quarter bloused sleeves photographed in Boro

Classic polo collar sample (D) with two pockets photographed in Ash

The marked skein counts “^” are near or exact to the listed yardage; consider adding an extra skein.

Yardage

Approximately 1110 (1240, 1375, 1465) (1570, 1660, 1790) (1915, 2050, 2170, 2275) yards

[1015 (1134, 1257, 1340) (1436, 1518, 1637) (1751, 1875, 1984, 2080) meters] of worsted weight wool yarn

Note: Yardage listed is the estimated maximum amount needed per size to make the core pattern garment variation with a classic length torso and tapered sleeves. Exact yardage may vary according to chosen sleeve shape and/or collar variations. Working the body and/or sleeves to the Tall length will require additional yarn.

Gauge

20 stitches & 28 rows per 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch, after wet blocking

Needles

Main

16”/40 cm & 32”/80 cm circular needles

Suggested size US 7 (4.5 mm)

Ribbing

16”/40 cm & 32”/80 cm circular needles

2-3 sizes smaller than main needle

Suggested size US 5 (3.75 mm)

Double-pointed needles (DPNs)

Two sets total, in main and ribbing needle sizes

Tutorials for all special techniques listed below are included in the pattern:

Casting On

Video — Provisional Crochet Cast On

Video — 1x1 Rib Cabled Cast On

Video — Short Rows: German Method

Video — Ribbed Double Decreases

Patch Pockets

Blocking 101

Knitwear Care

Skill Level

2 out of 5: Adventurous Beginner