Sidecar Jacket Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sidecar Jacket

What is Being Made

The Sidecar Jacket is a knitted cardigan designed by Spud and Chloe. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with button closure and is available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL. The finished chest measurements range from 32" to 48" when buttoned, with a length of approximately 19" to 21" including the cable trim detail. The jacket includes set-in sleeves with an 18" length (including cable trim) and features shaping at the neck and armholes for a tailored fit.

Techniques Used

The Sidecar Jacket is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy length adjustments during the knitting process.
• Flat knitting: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters who prefer traditional flat construction methods.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing and allowing for precise shaping.
• Cable pattern work: The jacket features decorative cable stitches that require cable needle techniques for creating twisted, dimensional texture.
• Decreasing techniques: Strategic decreases (ssk and k2tog) are used throughout for armhole and neck shaping, creating a fitted silhouette.
• Bind-off methods: Careful binding off is employed, particularly at edges, to prevent flaring and maintain neat finishing.

Stitches Used

The Sidecar Jacket incorporates a variety of knitting stitches to create both structure and visual interest:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body of the jacket, creating a smooth, classic fabric. Gauge is established at 11 stitches and 14 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
• Seed stitch: Used for trim details, this reversible stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) on the right side, then purling the knit stitches and knitting the purl stitches on the wrong side. Seed stitch provides a textured, non-curling edge ideal for finishing.
• Cable stitches: Two primary cable variations are featured:
  • C6L (Cable 6 Left): Created by slipping 3 stitches to a cable needle and holding in front, knitting 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle.
  • C6R (Cable 6 Right): Created by slipping 3 stitches to a cable needle and holding in back, knitting 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle.
• Cable panel pattern: A 16-stitch panel worked over 6 rows, combining stockinette borders (K2, P2) with the cable stitches (C6R and C6L) to create a dimensional, twisted texture that runs vertically along the garment.
• Decrease stitches: Ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit 2 together) are used for shaping, particularly in armhole and neck decreases.
• Increase stitches: Inc (increase) stitches are worked as needed during construction.

Materials

The Sidecar Jacket pattern is designed to be worked with yarn and needles appropriate for the Spud and Chloe brand specifications. The pattern requires a cable needle for working the cable stitch sections. Specific yarn weight, yardage requirements, and needle size recommendations are detailed in the complete pattern instructions. The garment is worked with standard knitting needles for flat construction and includes a cable needle for the decorative cable panel work.