Aeron Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Aeron Cardigan in MODE at Rowan Mohair Soft

What Is Being Made

The Aeron is a knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches) chest circumference. This garment is a classic cardigan construction featuring front button bands, set-in sleeves, and a neckband. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 99 cm (39 inches) at the smallest size to 179 cm (70½ inches) at the largest, providing generous ease for comfortable wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Aeron cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structure and fit:

• Mistake Rib Pattern: The primary stitch pattern throughout the garment is mistake rib, which creates a subtle texture and visual interest while maintaining excellent drape. This pattern is worked over a repeat of knit and purl stitches that shift slightly to create the characteristic "mistake" effect.
• Yarn Held Double: The yarn is worked held double throughout, which increases the fabric weight and creates a denser, more substantial textile suitable for a cardigan. This technique also affects the overall drape and structure of the finished piece.
• Shaped Neckline: The left front features progressive neck shaping with decreases worked at the neck edge over multiple rows. Decreases are worked on both right-side and alternate rows depending on the size, creating a smooth, fitted neckline.
• Shoulder Shaping: The back piece includes shoulder shaping to create proper armhole depth and sleeve cap fit, essential for a well-constructed cardigan.
• Stitch Holders and Markers: The pattern uses stitch holders to manage stitches during construction, particularly for the back neck and front sections, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats.

Stitches Used

The Aeron cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting stitches combined into the mistake rib pattern:

• Knit Stitch (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the fabric.
• Purl Stitch (P): Purl stitches alternate with knit stitches to create the rib texture.
• Mistake Rib Repeat: Rows alternate between K2, P2 and shifted variations (K2, P2 with offset), creating the characteristic mistake rib pattern that provides visual texture without excessive elasticity.
• Decreases (tog): Pattern decreases are worked by knitting or purling two stitches together as set by the pattern, maintaining the visual continuity of the mistake rib while shaping the neckline and shoulders.
• Cast Off in Pattern: The final edges are cast off while maintaining the mistake rib pattern, creating a neat, professional finish that matches the body of the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Aeron is knitted using Rowan Mohair Soft, a luxurious yarn in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 22 balls for the smallest size to 32 balls for the largest size. The pattern is photographed in Wine 10208, a rich wine-colored shade that showcases the subtle texture of the mistake rib pattern and the soft drape of the mohair fiber.

Needles: The pattern calls for two different needle sizes to create proper fabric density and structure. The main body is worked on 7mm (US size 11) needles, which are paired with the yarn held double to achieve the correct tension. The neckband is worked on 5mm (US size 8) circular needles measuring 60 cm, which creates a slightly tighter gauge for a neat, fitted neckline that won't stretch out with wear.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 16 stitches and 16 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over the mistake rib stitch using 7mm (US 11) needles with the yarn held double. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and ensuring the cardigan fits as designed across all nine sizes.

Difficulty Level

The Aeron is classified as an advanced beginner pattern, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques such as casting on, knit and purl stitches, and simple shaping, but who are ready