Bethel Woods Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Bethel Woods Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

What Is Being Made

The Bethel Woods Cardigan is a classic men's cardigan designed for casual comfort and everyday wear. This knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn offers a timeless button-front cardigan suitable for multiple size ranges, from Small through 2X, making it accessible for various body types and fit preferences.

Skill Level and Sizing

This pattern is rated as Easy + skill level, making it appropriate for knitters with basic experience who are ready to tackle a larger garment project. The cardigan is available in five finished sizes:

• Small: 40 in. (101.5 cm) chest, 22 1/2 in. (57 cm) length
• Medium: 43 1/2 in. (110.5 cm) chest, 23 1/2 in. (59.5 cm) length
• Large: 47 in. (119.5 cm) chest, 24 1/2 in. (62 cm) length
• 1X: 50 1/2 in. (128.5 cm) chest, 26 in. (66 cm) length
• 2X: 53 1/2 in. (136 cm) chest, 26 in. (66 cm) length

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Bethel Woods Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques suitable for intermediate beginners. The primary stitch used throughout the pattern is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. This stitch is the foundation of the cardigan body and provides the comfortable, wearable fabric characteristic of casual menswear.

The pattern also features K2, p2 Rib as a secondary stitch pattern. This ribbed stitch creates textured, elastic edges that provide structure and recovery at the cuffs, hem, and front bands of the cardigan. The rib pattern alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches in a repeating sequence, and knitters are instructed to knit the knits and purl the purls on subsequent rows to maintain the ribbed texture.

An increase technique called kfb (knit in front and back) is used in the pattern. This method increases one stitch by knitting into the front of a stitch without removing it from the left needle, then knitting through the back of the same stitch. This creates a subtle increase that blends seamlessly into the stockinette fabric.

The pattern also incorporates the use of stitch holders to manage stitches during construction, a standard technique for shaping armholes, necklines, and other design elements.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Bethel Woods Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in the Colonial colorway. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 balls for the smallest size to 7 balls for the larger sizes. Lion Brand Homespun is a bulky-weight yarn known for its soft, textured appearance and easy-care properties.

Knitting needles required are Lion Brand Knitting Needles in Size 8 [5 mm], which are appropriately sized for working with bulky-weight yarn and creating the intended fabric density. The pattern also calls for a Large-Eye Blunt Needle set for seaming and finishing, and Lion Brand Stitch Holders for managing active stitches during construction.

Additional materials include 6 to 7 buttons measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, depending on the size being made. These buttons serve as the functional and decorative closures for the front cardigan band.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. Checking gauge is emphasized as essential to achieving the correct finished dimensions and ensuring that the yardage provided will be sufficient. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size accordingly if their gauge differs—using smaller needles if their gauge is too loose and larger needles if their gauge is too tight.

Pattern Structure and Organization

The pattern is written for the smallest size with size variations provided in parentheses for larger sizes. Knitters are encouraged to circle all numbers pertaining to their