Blue Sky Fibers Dover Duster Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Dover Duster Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Dover Duster is a versatile knit cardigan designed by Bobbi Intveld that functions as both a casual sweater and an outside jacket. This intermediate-level pattern is available in women's sizes XS through XXL, with finished chest measurements ranging from 41½ inches to 58½ inches and finished lengths from 19 to 21 inches. The garment is engineered with a top-down construction method, allowing knitters to customize the final length to their preference before binding off.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Dover Duster employs a top-down construction approach, which is a popular technique that allows for in-progress fitting and length customization. The pattern uses a set-up sequence that incorporates strategic increases and decreases to shape the garment as it progresses from the collar downward. Knitters will work the left front, right front, and other sections using established stitch patterns while managing increases for shaping and decreases for fit refinement.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in the Dover Duster is Brioche Rib, a textured and elastic stitch that creates a springy, dimensional fabric. The pattern also incorporates K1, P1 Rib sections for additional structure and definition. Throughout the construction, knitters will use standard techniques including make-one increases (M1P, M1), knit-two-together decreases (k2tog), and stitch marker placement to track pattern sections and shaping points.

Yarn and Needles

The Dover Duster is designed for use with Blue Sky Fibers Extra, a light and lofty yarn with a springy twist composed of 55% Baby Alpaca and 45% Fine Merino. The yarn is supplied in 150-gram hanks with approximately 218 yards per hank. Yardage requirements range from 10 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 17 hanks for the largest size (XXL). The pattern color shown is No. 3519 Fedora. Knitting is worked on size 9 (5.5mm) circular needles, specifically a 24-inch circular needle for the main construction, with an additional size 9 needle required for the Three-Needle Bind Off technique. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when worked in Brioche Rib.

Additional Tools and Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the Dover Duster pattern requires stitch holder(s) or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, stitch marker(s) for tracking pattern sections and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.