Aran Cardigan Sweater Knitting Pattern

Fisherman's Wool Aran Knit Cardigan Sweater

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn provides instructions for creating a classic Aran cardigan sweater featuring traditional cable knit techniques. The pattern is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large, with finished bust/chest measurements of 41, 45, 49, and 53 inches respectively.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for the following materials to complete this project:

• Yarn: Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool, Art. No. 150 (8 oz. skeins) - 5 skeins for Small and Medium sizes, 6 skeins for Large and X-Large sizes
• Needles: One pair each of straight knitting needles in sizes 6 U.S. (4.25 mm) and 8 U.S. (5.00 mm), or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Additional Tools: Circular needle 29 inches long in size 6, cable needle, stitch holders, and 6 buttons measuring 3/4 inch in diameter

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 26 rows equaling 4 inches when worked in the fisherman pattern using size 8 needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cardigan achieves the correct dimensions.

Stitches and Techniques

This Aran cardigan pattern employs several specialized knitting stitches and techniques that create the distinctive textured appearance characteristic of Aran knitwear:

• Fisherman Pattern: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the garment, creating the textured base of the design
• Twist 2 (T-2): A decorative stitch worked differently on right-side and wrong-side rows. On the right side, the second stitch is knitted through the front loop without allowing it to slip off the needle before knitting the skipped stitch, then both stitches are released together. On the wrong side, both stitches are simply purled
• Cable 6 (C-6): A six-stitch cable that repeats over 8 rows, created by slipping 3 stitches onto a cable needle and holding them in front while knitting the next 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 held stitches
• Cable 12 (C-12): A more complex twelve-stitch cable pattern that repeats over 24 rows, featuring multiple cable crosses that alternate between front and back positions to create intricate textural interest
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease stitch created by slipping two stitches individually, then inserting the needle through the back loops of both slipped stitches and working them together as one

Construction Method

The cardigan is constructed using traditional flat knitting on straight needles. The pattern begins with the back piece, which is cast on using size 8 needles. The construction incorporates ribbed edging worked with alternating knit and purl stitches in a 2x2 pattern, followed by the establishment of the fisherman pattern with integrated cable motifs. The pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions for creating the structured Aran design.

Design Features

The Fisherman's Wool Aran Knit Cardigan showcases the hallmark characteristics of Aran knitwear, including raised cable patterns and textured stitchwork that create visual depth and dimension. The combination of Cable 6 and Cable 12 patterns, interspersed with Twist 2 stitches and purl sections, produces the traditional Aran aesthetic. The cardigan is designed as a button-front closure style, requiring six 3/4-inch buttons for fastening.