Canada Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Canada Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze

What Is Being Made

The Canada Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, offering nine size options for a wide range of wearers. This garment features a structured front neck shaping and armhole construction, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as advanced beginner level difficulty. The cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that build foundational skills while remaining accessible to those progressing beyond basic patterns. Key construction methods include:

• Holding two yarn strands together throughout the project for blended color and texture
• Front neck shaping using decreases worked on specific row intervals to create a fitted neckline
• Armhole shaping with increases worked at regular intervals to accommodate sleeve cap ease
• Stitch holder techniques for managing stitches during construction, particularly for the back neck

Stitches Used

The Canada Cardigan is primarily constructed using ribbed knit stitch, which creates vertical texture and natural stretch. The pattern specifies a K1, P1 ribbed pattern (knit one, purl one alternating) that is worked consistently throughout the main body of the garment. This rib pattern serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, providing elasticity at edges and creating a classic, refined appearance.

Materials: Yarn

This cardigan is designed to be worked with two Rowan yarns held together simultaneously:

• Rowan Kid Classic in shade Feather 828 – the primary yarn component, with yardage requirements ranging from 11 to 21 balls of 50 grams depending on size selected
• Rowan Kidsilk Haze in shade White 612 – the accent yarn held together with Kid Classic, with requirements ranging from 7 to 13 balls of 25 grams depending on size

Holding these two yarns together creates a blended fabric that combines the warmth and body of Kid Classic with the delicate halo and drape of Kidsilk Haze, resulting in a sophisticated, lightweight yet warm finished garment.

Materials: Needles and Tools

The Canada Cardigan requires multiple needle types to accommodate different construction stages:

• One pair of 5mm (US 8) straight needles for the main body fabric
• 5mm (US 8) circular needles measuring at least 120 cm in length for working larger sections and managing stitch volume
• One set of 5mm (US 8) double-pointed needles for smaller circumference sections such as neckbands or cuff finishing

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 25 rows per 10 centimeters when measured over the ribbed stitch pattern using 5mm (US 8) needles with one strand each of Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze held together. Matching this gauge ensures the finished cardigan will fit as designed across all nine available sizes.