Fitted Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Description:
This pattern will guide you through knitting a beautifully fitted cardigan that is perfect for all occasions. The design features a ribbed waistband, delicate cable pattern on the front panels, and a classic crew neck.
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Light Worsted Weight Yarn (UK: Double Knitting, Metric: 8 ply) - 800 yards
- Needles: US 6 (UK 8, Metric 4 mm) and US 7 (UK 7, Metric 4.5 mm) straight needles
- Cable needle
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Buttons
Gauge:
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using larger needles
Size:
Pattern is written for size M. Changes for sizes S, L, and XL are in parentheses.
Instructions:
Back:
Using smaller needles, cast on 80 (88, 96, 104) stitches. Work in K1, P1 rib for 2 inches.- Next row (RS): Continue in rib as set, work 26 (30, 34, 38) stitches, place marker, purl 28 (28, 28, 28) stitches for back, place marker, work remaining 26 (30, 34, 38) stitches in rib.
- Work even until piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from cast on, ending with a WS row.
Shape Armholes:
Bind off 4 (4, 6, 6) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 72 (80, 84, 92) stitches.- Continue even until armholes measure 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5) inches, ending with a WS row.
Shape Shoulders:
Bind off 6 (7, 8, 9) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Bind off remaining 60 (66, 68, 74) stitches for back neck.
Front:
- Work same as back until armholes measure 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5) inches.
Shape Neck and Front Slope:
Next row (RS): Work 28 (31, 34, 37) stitches, join a second ball of yarn, bind off center 16 (18, 20, 22) stitches, work to end.- Working both sides at the same time with separate balls of yarn, decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every other row 3 times, then every 4th row 2 (2, 3, 3) times. 24 (26, 28, 30) stitches each side.
- Work even until armholes match back, ending with a WS row.
- Shape shoulders same as back.
Sleeves:
- Using smaller needles, cast on 42 (46, 50, 54) stitches. Work in K1, P1 rib for 2 inches.
- Switch to larger needles and stockinette stitch. Increase 1 stitch each side on the first row. 44 (48, 52, 56) stitches.
- Work even until sleeve measures 18 (18, 18.5, 18.5) inches from cast on, ending with a WS row.
Shape Cap:
Bind off 4 (4, 6, 6) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Decrease 1 stitch each side every other row 17 (19, 21, 23) times. Bind off remaining 10 (10, 10, 10) stitches.
Finishing:
- Block all pieces to measurements.
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Sew in sleeves.
- Sew side and sleeve seams.
- Pick up stitches around neck edge and work ribbed collar if desired.
- Sew buttons on front.
- Weave in all ends.
Congratulations on completing your beautiful fitted cardigan!