Ava Shawl Neck Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ava Shawl Neck Cardigan Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Ava Shawl Neck Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan featuring a distinctive shawl neckline. Designed by Jenny Watson, this garment is crafted as a button-front cardigan with shaped armholes and a tailored fit. The pattern is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) through to 112-117cm (44-46 inches), with actual finished bust measurements from 81cm to 122cm. The cardigan offers a full length measured from the back neck of 47-56cm (18½-22 inches), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its polished appearance. The cardigan begins with ribbed edging worked in a combination of knit and purl stitches, specifically using K1b (knit into stitch one row below) for textural detail. The main body is constructed in stocking stitch, the fundamental knitting technique alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to create a smooth, classic fabric.

Shaping is integral to the cardigan's construction. The front edges feature strategic decreasing to create the cardigan's front opening and neckline shaping, with decreases worked at specific intervals throughout the pattern. Armhole shaping is achieved through a combination of cast-off stitches at the armhole edge followed by row-by-row decreasing. The pattern uses simultaneous shaping techniques, requiring the knitter to decrease at both the armhole edge and front edge within the same section, which is characteristic of intermediate-level garment construction.

The right front panel is worked separately from a cast-on of 40-62 stitches depending on size. After establishing the ribbed cuff, stitches are increased in the center of the row for certain sizes before transitioning to the main stocking stitch fabric. The sleeve length measures 43-47cm (17-18½ inches) with careful shaping worked throughout.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St-st): The primary stitch throughout the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, professional finish
• Ribbed Stitch: Used for the cuff and edging, combining knit and purl stitches in alternating patterns for elasticity and definition
• K1b (Knit into stitch one row below): A textural variation used in the ribbed sections to add visual interest
• Decreasing: Multiple decrease techniques employed for shaping, including decreases worked at the armhole edge and front edge at regular intervals
• Casting off: Used to finish edges and create armhole shaping

Materials and Tools

The Ava Shawl Neck Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Noro Silk Garden Lite yarn, a premium blend that provides both drape and structure. The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 350g for the smallest size up to 550g for the largest size, allowing knitters to select the appropriate quantity based on their chosen dimensions.

The pattern requires specific needle sizes to achieve the correct tension and fabric characteristics. Knitters will need one pair of 4mm (US6) knitting needles for the main body fabric, one pair of 3.25mm (US3) knitting needles for the ribbed edging, and one 3.25mm (US3) circular needle measuring 100cm for working the neckline. Three buttons are required to complete the cardigan's front closure.

Tension and Finishing

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The specified tension is 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm (US6) knitting needles. Maintaining this tension ensures that the finished cardigan will match the intended measurements and drape properly. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations for standard knitting terminology, making it accessible to intermediate knitters familiar with basic construction methods.