Cardigans Knitting Pattern

Cardigans in Stylecraft Savannah 9984

What is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern features two cardigan designs in the Stylecraft Savannah yarn: a long cardigan and a short cardigan. Both styles are available in a comprehensive range of sizes from 81-86cm (32-34in) bust measurement through to 122-127cm (48-50in), making these designs inclusive for various body types. The long cardigan offers a full length of approximately 100-108cm (39½-42½in), while the short cardigan provides a cropped silhouette with a full length of 64-70cm (25¼-27½in).

Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly knitting pattern incorporates several fundamental techniques suitable for those new to knitting. The construction includes stocking stitch as the primary fabric, which creates a smooth, classic stockinette appearance. Ribbed edgings are worked in knit one, purl one rib to create structured, stretchy borders that help the garment hold its shape. The pattern features pocket construction with separate pocket linings that are created first and then integrated into the main body pieces. Decreasing techniques are used to shape the garment, including rib2tog decreases that reduce stitches while maintaining the ribbed texture. The pattern requires working from written instructions with attention to shaping at specific row counts, making it an excellent project for developing intermediate skills while remaining accessible to beginners.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The primary stitch throughout both cardigans, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth fabric
• Knit one, purl one rib (k1, p1 rib): Used for cuffs, hems, and front bands to create elasticity and a finished appearance
• Garter stitch (g-st): Referenced in the abbreviations for potential textural variations
• Decreasing stitches: Including rib2tog for shaping while maintaining rib texture integrity
• Slip stitch: Used to transfer stitches onto stitch holders for pocket linings and other construction elements

Materials Required

The long cardigan requires Stylecraft Savannah yarn in the Prairie colorway (3793), with yardage varying by size from 8 balls (100g each) for the smallest size to 11 balls for the largest size. The short cardigan uses Stylecraft Savannah yarn in the Pampas colorway (3791), requiring between 5 and 9 balls depending on the size selected. Stylecraft Savannah is described as a random yarn that creates unique colour effects, adding visual interest to the finished garments. The pattern requires a pair of 3¾mm (UK 9 - USA 5) knitting needles for ribbed sections and a pair of 4½mm (UK 7 - USA 7) knitting needles for the main body, allowing for proper gauge and fabric drape. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Pattern Specifications

Both cardigans are classified as easy knit designs suitable for beginners. The long cardigan sleeve length ranges from 25-27cm (9¾-10¾in) across the size range, while the short cardigan maintains consistent proportions. The pattern uses aran weight yarn, which is a medium-heavy yarn that works up quickly and creates substantial, durable garments. The inclusion of larger sizes up to 48-50in demonstrates the pattern's commitment to size inclusivity, with actual bust measurements ranging from 106cm (41¾in) to 148cm (58¼in) to accommodate positive ease for comfortable wear.