Be Sweet Bamboo Swing Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Be Sweet Bamboo Swing Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Be Sweet Bamboo Swing Cardigan is a relaxed, flowing cardigan available in two length options: a short version measuring 30 inches in length and a long version measuring 38 inches. Both versions feature a generous 56-inch wrist-to-wrist measurement and a 22-inch bust, creating an oversized, comfortable silhouette. The pattern is designed by Nomvula Knitters and is available as a downloadable PDF for immediate access.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using seamless knitting techniques, worked primarily in the round to minimize seaming and create a smooth, professional finish. The garment is built in sections—sleeves are worked first, then connected using the Kitchener stitch (a grafting technique that joins live stitches invisibly). The yoke is completed by connecting the sleeve pieces, after which the back and front panels are picked up and knit downward from the yoke edges. This method allows for easy customization of length and creates a cohesive, well-integrated construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Increases are worked using the standard increase method (knit 1, increase 1) on both edges to create the gradual shaping that gives the cardigan its characteristic swing silhouette. The Kitchener stitch is used to seamlessly graft the sleeve pieces together, and stitches are cast on using the backward loop method for the underarm sections. All edges are bound off loosely to maintain flexibility and prevent puckering.

Materials

• Yarn: Be Sweet Bamboo, 100% bamboo fiber, with yardage of 115 yards per 50-gram ball. The short version requires 9-10 balls, while the long version requires 12-13 balls. The pattern is shown in three colorways: #637 Silver (short version), #639 Storm (long version), and #609 Sea Green (sideways version)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) straight needles for sleeve and panel sections, and US 7 (4.5mm) 36-inch circular needles for front edging
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Construction Details

Each sleeve begins with a cast-on of 55 stitches worked in stockinette stitch for 13.5 inches. Paired increases are then worked on alternating rows for nine repeats, bringing the stitch count to 75. An additional 10 stitches are cast on at each edge using the backward loop method, creating 95 stitches total. After working straight for 10.5 inches, 46 stitches are bound off, leaving 49 stitches on a holder. The right sleeve is worked with reversed shaping. The two sleeve pieces are then grafted together using the Kitchener stitch to form the completed yoke.

The back panel is picked up along the back yoke edge with 100 stitches and worked in stockinette stitch. Increases are worked on the right side every eight rows, repeated 12 times for the short version or 20 times for the long version, resulting in 128 stitches. The front panels are picked up separately with 50 stitches each and shaped with increases on one edge only, creating asymmetrical shaping that contributes to the cardigan's elegant drape. All sections are bound off loosely to maintain the fabric's natural stretch and movement.