Campbell Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Campbell Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK and Kidsilk Haze

What Is Being Made

The Campbell Cardigan is a beginner-friendly knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with corresponding garment bust measurements from 125.5 cm (49½ inches) to 208 cm (82 inches). This is a classic cardigan construction featuring a left front panel, back, and right front panels with a button closure, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

The Campbell Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure. Cable work is featured on the front-opening edge, with a 12-stitch cable (C12B) worked on every 24th row to create decorative texture and visual interest along the cardigan opening. Ribbed knitting is used throughout the side edges and rib sections, creating elasticity and a fitted appearance. Shaping techniques including increases and decreases are incorporated to achieve the proper garment fit, with increases worked into the rib section on Row 1 and decreases distributed evenly across rib sections on subsequent rows. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-off rows worked at the beginning of rows, with varying numbers of stitches cast off depending on the size being knitted. The pattern also incorporates stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) for the main body fabric, creating a smooth, classic appearance.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – forms the primary fabric structure
• Purl stitch (P) – creates ribbed texture and pattern definition
• Cable stitch (C12B) – a 12-stitch cable cross worked on the front-opening edge for decorative detail
• Increases (inc) – worked into stitches to add width where needed for proper fit
• Decreases (dec) – distributed across rows to shape the garment and maintain proper stitch counts
• Stocking stitch (st st) – smooth knit fabric used for the main body sections
• Rib stitch – alternating knit and purl stitches creating the elasticated edges and side panels

Materials

Yarn: The Campbell Cardigan uses two complementary yarns held together to create the finished fabric. Yarn A is Rowan Alpaca Soft DK in the colorway Champagne, with 235 grams (50gm balls) required. Yarn B is Rowan Kidsilk Haze in the colorway Lustre 686, with 25 grams (25gm balls) required. These yarns are held together as a single strand during knitting – one strand of Alpaca Soft DK combined with two strands of Kidsilk Haze – creating a luxurious blend that combines the warmth and softness of alpaca with the delicate sheen and drape of silk.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for one pair of 5mm (US 8) needles for the main knitting. A cable needle is required for working the cable stitches on the front-opening edge. Four buttons are needed to complete the cardigan closure.

Pattern Notes

The tension for this pattern is measured at 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters over stocking stitch using the specified yarn combination and needle size. This is an important measurement for ensuring the finished garment matches the intended dimensions. The pattern is graded across nine different sizes, allowing for customization based on desired finished bust measurement. The left front section begins with 49 to 84 stitches depending on size, with increases worked on the first row to establish the proper stitch count for the pattern repeat. The cable pattern on the front edge is maintained consistently throughout the length of the cardigan, creating a distinctive design feature that frames the button closure.