Ashlar Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ashlar Cardigan in Berroco Merino 401

What is Being Made

The Ashlar Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lorenette Haynes. This garment is available in six size options, ranging from 37½" to 69½" bust measurement, with corresponding lengths from 43" to 46". The cardigan is shown in the 46" size and features a classic construction worked flat in separate pieces before assembly.

Construction and Techniques

The Ashlar Cardigan is constructed using a traditional flat-knitting method, with pieces worked individually from the bottom up. The cardigan body and sleeves are created as separate components before being joined together. Shoulders are joined using the 3-needle bind off technique, a method that creates a strong, neat seam by binding off two sets of live stitches together simultaneously. Sleeves are picked up from the armhole and worked downward, which allows for precise fit and shaping. Side and sleeve seams are then sewn together using a tapestry needle, creating finished edges throughout the garment.

The pattern recommends approximately 2–4" of positive ease for comfortable wear, allowing the cardigan to drape elegantly while maintaining a flattering silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Ashlar Cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-shaped texture on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat. This fundamental stitch provides an excellent canvas for showcasing the subtle qualities of the yarn while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.

Yarn and Materials

The Ashlar Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Merino 401 yarn in the colorway #11208 Graphite. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 17 balls for the smallest size to 30 balls for the largest size, with each ball weighing 50 grams. Berroco Merino 401 is a merino wool yarn that provides warmth, breathability, and a soft hand suitable for close-to-body garments like cardigans.

Two sizes of knitting needles are required: size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for the main fabric and size 6 (4 mm) needles for ribbing or edge work. A spare size 7 needle is needed for the 3-needle bind off technique used to join shoulders. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the larger needle, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming, removeable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction. These tools support the intermediate-level techniques required for successful completion of the Ashlar Cardigan.