Cardigan and Top Knitting Pattern

Cardigan and Top in Stylecraft Bamboo & Cotton DK

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern provides instructions for two coordinating easy knit designs: a cardigan and a matching top. Both garments are available in a comprehensive range of sizes from 81/86cm through 122/127cm (32/34in to 48/50in bust), making these versatile pieces suitable for a wide variety of body types and fit preferences.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Classified as advanced beginner level, these designs are ideal for knitters who have mastered fundamental techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping and finishing details. The patterns guide you through creating professional-looking pieces with proper fit and structure.

Cardigan Details

Construction and Shaping: The cardigan is worked from the bottom up using 3.25mm needles. You will cast on between 109 and 157 stitches depending on your chosen size, then continue with stockinette stitch while incorporating decreases at the armhole edges. The garment features shaped armholes that measure 18cm to 19cm depending on size. The cardigan back piece reaches a full length of approximately 56cm to 69cm, with sleeve length measuring 46cm to 48cm.

Finishing and Closure: At the beginning of the next row after armhole shaping is complete, you will cast off between 6 and 12 stitches to create the front openings. The pattern then instructs you to continue with stockinette stitch without further shaping until the cardigan armholes reach their full measurement. A waist row marker is placed at row 1 to help you track progress throughout construction.

Top Details

Construction: The top is also worked on 3.25mm needles and begins with a cast on of 97 to 133 stitches. Like the cardigan, it employs stockinette stitch as the primary fabric. The top reaches a full length of approximately 56cm to 67cm and features continuous stockinette stitch without armhole shaping, making it a simpler construction compared to the cardigan.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout both garments, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Cast On: Used to establish stitches at the beginning of each piece
• Decreases: Employed at armhole edges on the cardigan to create proper shaping and fit
• Cast Off: Used to finish edges and create the front opening of the cardigan
• Stitch Markers: Placed to indicate pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the work
• Waist Shaping: Row markers help track progress and ensure consistent garment proportions

Materials Required

Yarn: Stylecraft Bamboo & Cotton DK is the specified yarn for this project. You will need between 600g and 900g total (6 to 9 balls of 100g each), with exact yardage ranging from 8¼ inches to 10¾ inches depending on your size selection. This yarn blend offers a soft, breathable quality ideal for garments worn close to the body.

Needles: 3.25mm knitting needles are required to achieve the correct gauge and fabric drape with the DK weight yarn specified in this pattern.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing you to access the complete instructions, detailed schematic measurements, and step-by-step guidance immediately upon purchase. The format includes precise measurements for all size options, making it easy to customize your finished garment to your exact specifications.