The Design
“A cardigan to make and wear again and again.”
A modern riff on the grandfather sweater, this simple cardigan moves easily from work day to weekend. We’ve added flattering A-line shaping and a vented hem for relaxed ease with a tidy finish. In cozy wools or cool plant fibers, it’s a perfect layering piece or polished tunic.
The Details
SIZES
This cardigan is designed with approx. 4–6" of ease, but because the shoulder is dropped slightly, it’s a little more forgiving in the fit. You can choose a size that will fit more closely or more oversized.
Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL). Information given for XS; S, M, L, XL in parentheses ( ).
Finished bust: 37½ (42½, 47, 50½, 53½):/95 (108, 119.5, 128, 136)cm, after seaming, including front band.
To fit bust: 32–34 (36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50)"/81–86 (91–96, 101–106, 112–117, 122–127)cm.
LENGTHS
Finished body length:
Measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem. 26 (26½, 27, 27½, 28)"/66 (67.5, 68.5, 70, 71)cm.
Center back neck to cuff: 28½ (29½, 30¾, 31¾, 32¾)"/72.5 (75, 78, 80.5, 83)cm.
YARN
Choose a DK-weight yarn that typically knits at 22 sts to 4"/10cm.
Approx. 1200 (1350, 1475, 1600, 1750) yds/1100 (1250, 1350, 1470, 1580)m.
Shown in size S on 38"/96.5cm bust, in plummy brown Color 145; 191yds/175m per skein.
Shown in size S on 36"/91.5cm bust, in Classic Elite Soft Linen Color 2203 (light grey); 137 yds/125m per skein.
For custom lengths: To lengthen or shorten body, add or subtract approx. 30 (33, 36, 38, 41) yds/27 (30, 33, 35, 37)m of yarn per 1"/2.5cm of knitted length.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (4mm) 24"/60cm circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) 24"/60cm circular needle, or 2 US sizes/.5mm smaller than gauge needle.
2 ring markers; 10 locking markers; 4 stitch holders (we like to use extra circular needles, in gauge size or smaller, so we can knit off holders from either end); darning needle to finish.
Five 5/8"/16mm buttons; needle and thread.
GAUGE
20 sts/32 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.
KNITTER'S NOTES
We’ve all had the importance of stitch gauge drilled into our knitter brains, and for good reason. Knowing your row gauge, and maintaining it throughout, is especially important with this garment. Getting the desired V-neck shaping, armhole shaping and depth as well as sleeve and body length depends on a consistently accurate row gauge.
We sometimes find it helpful to knit two gauge swatches. Leave one swatch unblocked and “dress” the other swatch, meaning wet block, steam press, and let it rest, then measure stitch and row gauge. Then you can refer to the unblocked swatch while knitting: if your knitting is matching the unblocked swatch, you can feel pretty confident that your finished pieces will block to the desired gauge.
