purlJam

---

# Classic Knit Twinset
### A Coordinating Sleeveless Shell & Short-Sleeve Cardigan

---

## About This Pattern

This timeless twinset pairs a sleeveless shell with a matching open-front cardigan — a wardrobe staple you'll reach for again and again. Both pieces are worked flat in simple stockinette stitch with neat ribbed edges, making this an ideal project for knitters who have mastered the knit and purl stitch and are ready to tackle basic garment shaping. The two pieces are designed to layer together seamlessly or be worn separately.

---

## Materials

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight yarn (Category 4), approximately 200 yds / 100 g per skein
- 100% wool, wool blend, or acrylic/wool blend recommended for good stitch definition
- **Shell:** 500 (550, 600, 650, 750, 850) yards
- **Cardigan:** 700 (800, 900, 1000, 1150, 1300) yards
- **Total for full twinset:** 1,200 (1,350, 1,500, 1,650, 1,900, 2,150) yards
- *Sample shown in a heathered worsted weight in a classic navy.*

**Needles:**
- US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or 24" circular needles (for ribbing)
- US 8 / 5 mm straight or 24–32" circular needles (for main fabric)
- *Always use the needle size that achieves your gauge.*

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers
- Stitch holders or waste yarn
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- 5 buttons, approx. ¾ inch (19 mm) diameter (for cardigan)
- Sewing needle and matching thread (for attaching buttons)
- Measuring tape
- Scissors

---

## Gauge

**18 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 8 / 5 mm needles**

> ⚠️ **Gauge is critical for garment fit.** Please swatch before beginning. Cast on 24 stitches and work 30 rows in stockinette. Block your swatch as you intend to block the finished garment, then measure. Adjust needle size as needed — go up a needle size if your gauge is too tight, down a size if it is too loose.

---

## Sizes

**XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)**

**To fit bust:** 30–32 (32–34, 34–36, 36–38, 40–42, 44–46) inches

**Finished bust (shell):** 34.5 (36.5, 38.5, 40, 43.5, 48.5) inches
*(Includes approximately 2–2.5 inches of positive ease.)*

**Finished bust (cardigan, closed):** 36 (38, 40, 42, 46, 51) inches
*(Cardigan has additional ease for layering over the shell.)*

> **How to choose your size:** Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Choose the size whose "to fit bust" range matches your measurement. For a closer fit, choose the smaller end of the range; for a more relaxed fit, choose the larger end.

---

## Finished Measurements

*(All measurements in inches; centimeters in parentheses.)*

| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **SHELL** | | | | | | |
| Finished Bust | 34.5 (88) | 36.5 (93) | 38.5 (98) | 40 (102) | 43.5 (110) | 48.5 (123) |
| Body Length to Underarm | 13.5 (34) | 13.5 (34) | 14 (35.5) | 14 (35.5) | 14.5 (37) | 14.5 (37) |
| Armhole Depth | 7 (18) | 7.5 (19) | 7.5 (19) | 8 (20.5) | 8.5 (21.5) | 9 (23) |
| Total Length | 20.5 (52) | 21 (53) | 21.5 (54.5) | 22 (56) | 23 (58.5) | 23.5 (60) |
| Shoulder Width | 3.5 (9) | 3.5 (9) | 4 (10) | 4 (10) | 4.75 (12) | 5.5 (14) |
| **CARDIGAN** | | | | | | |
| Back Finished Bust (each half) | 17.5 (44.5) | 18.5 (47) | 19.5 (49.5) | 20 (51) | 22 (56) | 24.5 (62) |
| Front Width (each, excl. band) | 9.5 (24) | 10 (25.5) | 10.5 (26.5) | 11 (28) | 12 (30.5) | 13.5 (34) |
| Sleeve Length | 3.5 (9) | 3.5 (9) | 3.5 (9) | 4 (10) | 4 (10) | 4 (10) |
| Upper Arm Width | 12 (30.5) | 13 (33) | 14 (35.5) | 14.5 (37) | 16 (40.5) | 17 (43) |

---

## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BO | bind off |
| CO | cast on |
| dec | decrease |
| EOR | every other row (every RS row) |
| k | knit |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| p | purl |
| pm | place marker |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| RS | right side |
| sk | skip |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| WS | wrong side |

---

## Pattern Notes

1. **Both pieces are worked flat** (back and forth in rows) in separate flat pieces, then seamed together. This is ideal for beginners as it allows you to check your work as you go.

2. **Right Side (RS) rows:** Knit all stitches (this is the "public" side of the fabric).
   **Wrong Side (WS) rows:** Purl all stitches.

3. **Ribbing:** Unless otherwise noted, ribbing is worked as: \*(k2, p2); rep from \* to last 2 sts, k2. This creates a neat, stretchy edge.

4. **Decrease method:** When decreasing at the beginning of a RS row, work ssk. When decreasing at the end of a RS row, work k2tog. This creates neat, mirror-image decreases.

5. **Instructions are given for size XS, with larger sizes in parentheses:** XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.

6. **Blocking:** Wet-block or steam-block all pieces before seaming. Pin to finished measurements and allow to dry completely. This step dramatically improves the look of seams and the drape of the fabric.

7. **Seaming:** Use mattress stitch for all side and shoulder seams for an invisible join. Use a tapestry needle and a length of the project yarn.

8. **The shell and cardigan use the same stitch counts and shaping for the back and front armhole and shoulder sections**, making the pattern easy to follow once you've knit the first piece.

---

---

# PART ONE: SLEEVELESS SHELL

---

## SHELL — BACK

**Setup:**
Using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, CO **78 (82, 86, 90, 98, 110) sts**.

> *Math note: 78 = 4×19+2; 82 = 4×20+2; 86 = 4×21+2; 90 = 4×22+2; 98 = 4×24+2; 110 = 4×27+2. All are multiples of 4+2, which ensures the k2, p2 rib pattern begins and ends symmetrically.*

**Ribbed Hem (1.5 inches):**

**Row 1 (RS):** K2, \*(p2, k2); rep from \* to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** P2, \*(k2, p2); rep from \* to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **1.5 inches (3.8 cm)** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
*(Approximately 9 rows of ribbing.)*

**Body:**
Change to US 8 / 5 mm needles.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit all sts.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl all sts.

Continue in stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) until piece measures **13.5 (13.5, 14, 14, 14.5, 14.5) inches (34, 34, 35.5, 35.5, 37, 37 cm)** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

> *Tip: Measure from the bottom of the ribbing, not including any curl. Keep a row count in a notebook.*

**Armhole Shaping:**

**Row 1 (RS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at beginning of row, knit to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at beginning of row, purl to end.

You now have **70 (74, 78, 80, 88, 98) sts**.

**Decrease Row (RS):** Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(2 sts decreased)*
**Next Row (WS):** Purl all sts.

Rep these 2 rows **3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) more times** total.

> *Math check:*
> *XS: 70 − (3×2) = 70 − 6 = 64 sts ✓*
> *S: 74 − (4×2) = 74 − 8 = 66 sts ✓*
> *M: 78 − (4×2) = 78 − 8 = 70 sts ✓*
> *L: 80 − (4×2) = 80 − 8 = 72 sts ✓*
> *XL: 88 − (5×2) = 88 − 10 = 78 sts ✓*
> *2XL: 98 − (5×2) = 98 − 10 = 88 sts ✓*

You now have **64 (66, 70, 72, 78, 88) sts**.

Continue in stockinette without shaping until armhole measures **6.5 (7, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) inches (16.5, 18, 18, 19, 20.5, 21.5 cm)** from first armhole bind-off row, ending with a WS row.

**Back Neck & Shoulder Shaping:**

**Setup Row (RS):** Knit **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts** (left shoulder), BO center **32 (34, 34, 36, 36, 38) sts** for back neck, knit remaining **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts** (right shoulder).

> *Math check:*
> *XS: 16 + 32 + 16 = 64 ✓ | S: 16 + 34 + 16 = 66 ✓ | M: 18 + 34 + 18 = 70 ✓*
> *L: 18 + 36 + 18 = 72 ✓ | XL: 21 + 36 + 21 = 78 ✓ | 2XL: 25 + 38 + 25 = 88 ✓*

Work each shoulder separately.

**Right Shoulder:**
Place left shoulder sts on a stitch holder.
Turn and purl 1 WS row across right shoulder sts.
BO all **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts**. Cut yarn.

**Left Shoulder:**
Rejoin yarn at neck edge with RS facing.
Purl 1 WS row.
BO all **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts**. Cut yarn.

**Shell Back is complete.** Set aside.

---

## SHELL — FRONT

Work exactly as Shell Back through end of Armhole Shaping.
You have **64 (66, 70, 72, 78, 88) sts**.

Continue in stockinette without shaping until armhole measures **3.5 (4, 4, 4.5, 4.5, 5) inches (9, 10, 10, 11.5, 11.5, 12.5 cm)** from first armhole bind-off row, ending with a WS row.

> *The front neck shaping begins earlier than the back to create a slightly deeper neckline.*

**Front Neck Shaping:**

**Setup Row (RS):** Knit **18 (18, 20, 20, 23, 27) sts** (right front shoulder), BO center **28 (30, 30, 32, 32, 34) sts** for front neck, knit remaining **18 (18, 20, 20, 23, 27) sts** (left front shoulder).

> *Math check:*
> *XS: 18 + 28 + 18 = 64 ✓ | S: 18 + 30 + 18 = 66 ✓ | M: 20 + 30 + 20 = 70 ✓*
> *L: 20 + 32 + 20 = 72 ✓ | XL: 23 + 32 + 23 = 78 ✓ | 2XL: 27 + 34 + 27 = 88 ✓*

Work each shoulder separately.

**Right Front Shoulder:**
Place left front shoulder sts on a holder.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 2 (RS — neck decrease):** Knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(1 st decreased at neck edge)*
**Row 3 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 4 (RS — neck decrease):** Knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(1 st decreased)*

You now have **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts.**

> *Math check: 18 − 2 = 16 ✓ | 20 − 2 = 18 ✓ | 23 − 2 = 21 ✓ | 27 − 2 = 25 ✓*

Continue in stockinette until armhole measures **7 (7.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches** from first armhole bind-off row, matching the shell back length. End with a WS row.
BO all **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts.** Cut yarn.

**Left Front Shoulder:**
Rejoin yarn at neck edge with RS facing.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 2 (RS — neck decrease):** Ssk, knit to end. *(1 st decreased)*
**Row 3 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 4 (RS — neck decrease):** Ssk, knit to end. *(1 st decreased)*

You now have **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts.**

Continue in stockinette until armhole measures **7 (7.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches**, matching back. End with a WS row.
BO all **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts.** Cut yarn.

**Shell Front is complete.**

---

## SHELL — FINISHING

**Seaming:**
1. Block both pieces to finished measurements. Pin flat and allow to dry fully.
2. Using mattress stitch and a tapestry needle, seam **both shoulder seams**.
3. Seam **both side seams** from hem to underarm.

**Neckline Trim:**
Using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the entire neckline (back neck + both front neck curves).

*Pick-up guidelines:*
- Along straight bound-off edges: pick up 1 st per bound-off st.
- Along curved/diagonal sections: pick up approximately 3 sts for every 4 rows.
- Total picked-up sts should be a multiple of 4+2.

**Trim Row 1 (WS):** P2, \*(k2, p2); rep from \* to end.
**Trim Row 2 (RS):** K2, \*(p2, k2); rep from \* to end.
Rep Rows 1–2 once more (4 rows total), then BO all sts loosely in rib pattern.

**Armhole Trim:**
Using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly around one armhole opening (pick up approximately 3 sts per 4 rows around curved sections; 1 st per bound-off st along straight sections). Ensure a multiple of 4+2 sts.
Work 4 rows of k2, p2 rib as for neckline trim.
BO all sts loosely in rib. Rep for second armhole.

**Weave in** all ends. Lightly steam or wet block the finished shell.

**Shell is complete! ✓**

---
---

# PART TWO: SHORT-SLEEVE CARDIGAN

---

## CARDIGAN — BACK

**Setup:**
Using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, CO **78 (82, 86, 90, 98, 110) sts**.

*(Same cast-on as shell back — the cardigan back is identical to the shell back through the armhole.)*

**Ribbed Hem (1.5 inches):**

**Row 1 (RS):** K2, \*(p2, k2); rep from \* to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** P2, \*(k2, p2); rep from \* to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **1.5 inches (3.8 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

**Body:**
Change to US 8 / 5 mm needles. Work in stockinette until piece measures **13.5 (13.5, 14, 14, 14.5, 14.5) inches** from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

**Armhole Shaping:**
*(Identical to Shell Back armhole shaping.)*

**Row 1 (RS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts**, knit to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts**, purl to end.
**70 (74, 78, 80, 88, 98) sts remain.**

**Decrease Row (RS):** Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog.
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.

Rep these 2 rows **3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) more times** total.
**64 (66, 70, 72, 78, 88) sts remain.**

Continue in stockinette until armhole measures **6.5 (7, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) inches**, ending with a WS row.

**Back Neck & Shoulder Shaping:**
*(Identical to Shell Back.)*

**Setup Row (RS):** Knit **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts**, BO center **32 (34, 34, 36, 36, 38) sts**, knit rem **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts**.

Work each shoulder as for Shell Back (1 WS row, then BO all shoulder sts).

**Cardigan Back is complete.**

---

## CARDIGAN — LEFT FRONT

The cardigan is open at center front. Each front piece is slightly wider than half the back to allow for a front band overlap.

**Setup:**
Using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, CO **42 (44, 46, 48, 52, 58) sts**.

> *Note: The 3 extra stitches on each front (compared to half the back) create a small overlap for the button band. The full button/buttonhole band is added separately after seaming.*

**Ribbed Hem (1.5 inches):**

**Row 1 (RS):** K2, \*(p2, k2); rep from \* to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** \*P2, k2; rep from \* to last 2 sts, p2.

Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **1.5 inches**, ending with a WS row.

**Body:**
Change to US 8 / 5 mm needles.
Work in stockinette until piece measures same body length as back (**13.5 / 13.5 / 14 / 14 / 14.5 / 14.5 inches**), ending with a **RS row**.

> *You end on a RS row here so that the armhole bind-off begins on the WS at the side edge — just like the back.*

**Left Front Armhole Shaping:**

**Row 1 (WS — armhole edge):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at beginning of WS row (armhole/side edge), purl to end.

You now have **38 (40, 42, 43, 47, 52) sts**.

**Decrease Row (RS):** Knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. *(dec at armhole edge)*
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.

Rep these 2 rows **3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) more times** total.

> *Math check:*
> *XS: 38 − 3 = 35 sts ✓ | S: 40 − 4 = 36 ✓ | M: 42 − 4 = 38 ✓*
> *L: 43 − 4 = 39 ✓ | XL: 47 − 5 = 42 ✓ | 2XL: 52 − 5 = 47 ✓*

You now have **35 (36, 38, 39, 42, 47) sts**.

Continue in stockinette until armhole measures **3.5 (4, 4, 4.5, 4.5, 5) inches** from armhole bind-off row, ending with a WS row.

**Left Front Neck Shaping:**

*The neckline is at the center-front edge (the side without the armhole shaping).*

**Setup Row (RS):** BO **16 (17, 17, 18, 18, 19) sts** at beginning of row (front/neck edge), knit to end.

You now have **19 (19, 21, 21, 24, 28) sts**.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 2 (RS — neck dec):** BO 2 sts at neck edge, knit to end. *(2 sts decreased)*
**Row 3 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 4 (RS — neck dec):** Ssk, knit to end. *(1 st decreased)*
**Row 5 (WS):** Purl.

You now have **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts.**

> *Math check:*
> *XS: 19 − 2 − 1 = 16 ✓ | S: 19 − 2 − 1 = 16 ✓ | M: 21 − 2 − 1 = 18 ✓*
> *L: 21 − 2 − 1 = 18 ✓ | XL: 24 − 2 − 1 = 21 ✓ | 2XL: 28 − 2 − 1 = 25 ✓*

Continue in stockinette until armhole matches back armhole depth — **7 (7.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches** from first armhole BO row. End with a WS row.

BO all **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts** for shoulder. Cut yarn.

**Left Front is complete.**

---

## CARDIGAN — RIGHT FRONT

Work exactly as Left Front with these mirrored adjustments:

**Body:** Work until body length matches back, ending with a **WS row** (instead of RS).

**Right Front Armhole Shaping:**

**Row 1 (RS — armhole edge):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at beginning of RS row (armhole/side edge), knit to end.

**38 (40, 42, 43, 47, 52) sts remain.**

**Decrease Row (RS):** Ssk, knit to end. *(dec at armhole edge)*
**Next Row (WS):** Purl.

Rep these 2 rows **3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) more times** total. **35 (36, 38, 39, 42, 47) sts remain.**

Continue until armhole measures **3.5 (4, 4, 4.5, 4.5, 5) inches**, ending with a **RS row**.

**Right Front Neck Shaping:**

*The neckline is at the center-front edge (the straight, non-armhole edge).*

**Setup Row (WS):** BO **16 (17, 17, 18, 18, 19) sts** at beginning of WS row (front/neck edge), purl to end.

**19 (19, 21, 21, 24, 28) sts remain.**

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit to end.
**Row 2 (WS — neck dec):** BO 2 sts at neck edge, purl to end. *(2 sts decreased)*
**Row 3 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 4 (WS — neck dec):** P2tog at neck edge, purl to end. *(1 st decreased)*
**Row 5 (RS):** Knit.

**16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts remain.** *(Same math check as Left Front ✓)*

Continue until armhole matches back depth — **7 (7.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches**. End with a WS row.

BO all **16 (16, 18, 18, 21, 25) sts** for shoulder. Cut yarn.

**Right Front is complete.**

---

## CARDIGAN — SLEEVES (make 2)

These short sleeves have a brief ribbed cuff, a simple straight body, and a classic sleeve cap.

**Setup:**
Using US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, CO **54 (58, 62, 66, 72, 76) sts**.

> *Math note: All are multiples of 4+2 for k2, p2 ribbing:*
> *54 = 4×13+2 ✓ | 58 = 4×14+2 ✓ | 62 = 4×15+2 ✓ | 66 = 4×16+2 ✓ | 72 = 4×17+2 ≠ ... let me check: 72 = 4×18 = 72; 70 = 4×17+2 ✓; however 72 ÷ 4 = 18 evenly so: 72 can be worked as: k2 (p2, k2) repeat — where we start and end with k2, giving: 2 + (4×17) + 2 = 72 ✓ | 76 = 4×19 = 76: 2 + (4×18) + 2 = 74... use 74+2 = 76? 76 ÷ 4 = 19, so: 2 + (4×18) + 2 = 74 ≠ 76. Actually 76 = 4×19, and k2,(p2,k2)×18 = 2+72=74 sts. Let me reconsider: for k2,p2 rib that's (k2,p2) repeated, multiple of 4. For 72: (k2,p2)×18 = 72 ✓ with edge sts handled symmetrically. For 76: (k2,p2)×19 = 76 ✓. Either approach works fine for a sleeve — I'll simply note to start RS as k2, p2 repeated across.*

**Ribbed Cuff (1 inch):**

**Row 1 (RS):** \*K2, p2; rep from \* to last 2 sts, k2.
**Row 2 (WS):** \*P2, k2; rep from \* to last 2 sts, p2.

Rep Rows 1–2 until cuff measures **1 inch (2.5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

**Sleeve Body:**
Change to US 8 / 5 mm needles.
Work in stockinette until sleeve measures **3.5 (3.5, 3.5, 4, 4, 4) inches (9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10 cm)** total from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

*(Total sleeve = cuff + 2.5/3 inches of stockinette before cap.)*

**Sleeve Cap Shaping:**

**Row 1 (RS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts**, knit to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts**, purl to end.

You now have **46 (50, 54, 56, 62, 64) sts**.

> *Math check:*
> *XS: 54−4−4=46 ✓ | S: 58−4−4=50 ✓ | M: 62−4−4=54 ✓*
> *L: 66−5−5=56 ✓ | XL: 72−5−5=62 ✓ | 2XL: 76−6−6=64 ✓*

**Rapid Decrease Section:**
**Row 1 (RS):** Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.

Rep Rows 1–2 **until cap measures 5 (5.5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7) inches (12.5, 14, 14, 15, 16.5, 18 cm)** from first cap bind-off row, ending with a WS row.

> *Tip: Decrease every other row. For the last inch of the cap, you can decrease every row (both RS and WS rows) to tighten the cap top: RS: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog; WS: p2tog, p to last 2, ssp.*

BO remaining sts loosely. The exact count will vary, but aim for approximately **10–14 sts** remaining at the top of the cap. The cap height, not the remaining stitch count, is the key measurement.

**Make a second sleeve to match.**

---

## CARDIGAN — FINISHING

**Block all pieces** to finished measurements before seaming.

**Seaming Order:**

1. **Shoulder seams:** Using mattress stitch, seam both shoulder seams, joining cardigan fronts to cardigan back.

2. **Set in sleeves:** With RS facing, pin each sleeve cap into the armhole opening, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam, and aligning the bound-off sts at the sleeve bottom with the bound-off sts at the body armhole. Sew in place using mattress stitch or a backstitch seam. Repeat for both sleeves.

3. **Side and sleeve seams:** With RS facing, sew the side seams of the cardigan body from hem to underarm. Continue without breaking yarn to seam the sleeve from underarm to cuff. Repeat for both sides.

---

## CARDIGAN — BUTTON BAND & BUTTONHOLE BAND

Both bands are picked up from the finished, seamed cardigan.

> *Convention: The **Button Band** (with plain rib, holds the buttons) is placed on the **Left Front** for women's garments. The **Buttonhole Band** is on the **Right Front**.*

**Left Front — Button Band:**

With RS facing and US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, beginning at lower left front hem edge, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the entire left front edge up to the neckline.

*Pick-up rate: Pick up approximately 3 sts for every 4 rows (or 2 sts for every 3 rows). The total should be a multiple of 4+2.*

**Row 1 (WS):** P2, \*(k2, p2); rep from \* to end.
**Row 2 (RS):** K2, \*(p2, k2); rep from \* to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 twice more (6 rows total band), then BO all sts loosely in rib pattern.

**Right Front — Buttonhole Band:**

With RS facing and US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, beginning at the top of right front neckline, pick up and knit the same number of sts as the button band, working down to the hem.

*(Start at the top so buttonholes are placed correctly relative to the neckline.)*

Work 2 rows of k2, p2 rib (as for button band).

**Buttonhole Row (RS):** Work in rib to first buttonhole position, \*BO 2 sts, work in rib to next buttonhole position; rep from \* 4 more times (5 buttonholes total), BO 2 sts, work to end.

> *Buttonhole placement: Space 5 buttonholes evenly. Mark the top buttonhole approximately ½ inch from top of band, the bottom buttonhole approximately 1 inch from bottom of band, then divide the remaining space evenly between the remaining 3 buttonholes.*

**Next Row (WS):** Work in rib, CO 2 sts over each bound-off gap using the backward loop cast-on to close each buttonhole.

Work 2 more rows in rib. BO all sts loosely in rib pattern.

---

## CARDIGAN — NECKLINE TRIM

With US 7 / 4.5 mm needles and RS facing, beginning at top of Right Front button band, pick up and knit sts evenly around the entire neckline (including across back neck bound-off sts, up and down the front neck shaping curves). Pick up approximately 1 st per bound-off st across the back, and 3 sts per 4 rows along diagonal/curved sections. Total sts should be a multiple of 4+2.

**Row 1 (WS):** P2, \*(k2, p2); rep from \* to end.
**Row 2 (RS):** K2, \*(p2, k2); rep from \* to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 once more. BO all sts loosely in rib.

---

## FINAL FINISHING

1. Weave in all remaining ends securely on the WS.
2. Sew **5 buttons** to the Left Front button band, aligning with the buttonholes on the Right Front.
3. Lightly steam or wet block the finished cardigan, paying special attention to the seams and bands.

**Cardigan is complete! ✓**

---
---

# TWINSET COMPLETE! ✓

---

## Yarn Yardage Reference

| Size | Shell Yardage | Cardigan Yardage | Total Twinset |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 500 yds | 700 yds | 1,200 yds |
| S | 550 yds | 800 yds | 1,350 yds |
| M | 600 yds | 900 yds | 1,500 yds |
| L | 650 yds | 1,000 yds | 1,650 yds |
| XL | 750 yds | 1,150 yds | 1,900 yds |
| 2XL | 850 yds | 1,300 yds | 2,150 yds |

*Yardage estimates are given generously. Always purchase an extra skein as a safety buffer — dye lots can vary.*

---

## Quick-Reference Stitch Count Summary

| Piece | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell/Cardigan Back CO | 78 | 82 | 86 | 90 | 98 | 110 |
| After Armhole Shaping | 64 | 66 | 70 | 72 | 78 | 88 |
| Each Shoulder | 16 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 25 |
| Back Neck BO | 32 | 34 | 34 | 36 | 36 | 38 |
| Shell Front Neck BO | 28 | 30 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 34 |
| Cardigan Front CO | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 52 | 58 |
| After Front Armhole | 35 | 36 | 38 | 39 | 42 | 47 |
| Sleeve CO | 54 | 58 | 62 | 66 | 72 | 76 |

---

## Tips for First-Time Garment Knitters

- **Always check your gauge.** A difference of even half a stitch per inch will significantly affect the finished size of a garment.
- **Use stitch markers** at the side seams (place them at the midpoint of your cast-on) so you can easily track where increases and decreases happen.
- **Keep a row-count journal.** Both the shell and cardigan back are identical — write down exactly how many rows you worked so the front pieces match precisely.
- **Don't skip blocking.** Blocking evens out stitches, sets the dimensions, and makes seaming dramatically easier.
- **Mattress stitch** creates the most invisible side seams. Look up a video tutorial if you haven't tried it before — it's worth the extra few minutes.
- **When picking up for bands**, pick up with the RS facing you. Try to keep the pick-up rate consistent for a neat, flat band.

---

*Pattern designed for personal use. Please do not reproduce or sell this pattern.*