Cascade Yarns C Saddle Shoulder Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns C Saddle Shoulder Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Cascade Yarns C Saddle Shoulder Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan sweater designed by Nancy Wiseman. This garment features a classic saddle shoulder construction, which creates a distinctive yoke detail where the shoulder seams sit slightly inset from the edge of the shoulder. The cardigan is available in three finished sizes: 36 inches, 40 inches, and 44 inches chest measurement, with corresponding lengths of 21 inches, 23 inches, and 24.5 inches measured from neckline to back hem. The design includes a button-front closure with five buttons, making it a practical layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern uses increases at the side seams to create shaping and a flattering silhouette. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic bind-offs at the beginning of rows to create the proper depth and fit. The saddle shoulder construction is a signature technique that requires careful placement and shaping of the shoulder sections. The pattern incorporates stitch markers to help crafters maintain pattern alignment and track key sections of the garment. Garter stitch selvedges (edges worked in garter stitch) are maintained throughout to create clean, finished edges that are easier to seam and more durable. The pattern also involves working different stitch patterns simultaneously—garter stitch in designated areas and pattern stitch in the main body—which requires attention to detail and understanding of how to maintain multiple stitch patterns within a single row.

Stitches Used

The Cascade Yarns C Saddle Shoulder Cardigan uses a limited but effective stitch palette. The primary stitches are knit and purl, which form the foundation of the pattern. Garter stitch (knitting every row) is used for the ribbed edging at the bottom of the piece and for the selvedge borders on the sides and center front. The main body of the cardigan features a pattern stitch that alternates rows of knit with rows of alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 ribbing pattern), creating visual texture and interest. Decreases are incorporated using knit 2 together (K2tog) and purl 2 together (P2tog) techniques to shape the armholes and create proper fit. These fundamental stitches are combined to create a garment that is visually appealing while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Materials and Tools

The Cascade Yarns C Saddle Shoulder Cardigan is designed to be worked in Cascade Yarns Eco+, a yarn composed of 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. This natural fiber choice provides warmth, breathability, and the elasticity needed for a well-fitting cardigan. The yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (36 inches) requires 2 skeins, while the two larger sizes (40 inches and 44 inches) each require 3 skeins. Each skein contains 250 grams (8.82 ounces) and yields 478 yards (437 meters), providing ample yardage for the complete garment. The recommended color is #4010 (Straw), a warm, neutral tone. The pattern calls for US size 9 and US size 10 knitting needles, with the smaller needles used for the initial ribbed edging and the larger needles for the main body to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, five safety pins for holding stitches during construction, five 1-inch buttons for the front closure, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the garment pieces together. The recommended gauge is 15 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the pattern stitch on the larger needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.