Cascade Yarns W Joan's Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Effects Joan's Cardigan

What is Being Made

Joan's Cardigan is a women's button-front cardigan designed by Melissa Leapman. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches to 55 inches and a length of approximately 24 to 25 inches. The cardigan features a sophisticated construction with decorative cable panels and textured stitch patterns throughout the garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles, then transitions to larger needles for the main body. The pattern utilizes cable knitting, which involves crossing groups of stitches over one another to create raised, twisted rope-like textures. The garment is constructed in pieces—a back panel and front panels—that are later assembled. Button bands are incorporated into the design, and the cardigan is finished with a seven-button closure using One World Button Supply's Style SPN-106 36 CV buttons.

Stitches Used

• K1P1 Rib Pattern: An alternating knit and purl stitch worked on the right side as K1, P1 across, and reversed on the wrong side as P1, K1. This elastic rib creates the fitted cuffs and edges of the cardigan.
• Double Seed Stitch: A textured stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence over four rows. Rows 1 and 4 are worked as K1, (P1, K1) repeated to the end, while rows 2 and 3 are worked as P1, (K1, P1) repeated to the end. This creates a bumpy, reversible fabric with visual interest.
• Cable Panel: A 30-stitch panel featuring cable stitches that create decorative raised patterns. The cable panel measures 3½ inches across when worked with the larger needles and is positioned symmetrically on both the back and front sections of the cardigan.
• Stockinette Stitch: The fundamental knit stitch pattern created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, classic fabric.

Materials and Tools

The cardigan is knitted using Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Effects, a 100% superwash wool yarn. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and yields 220 yards (200 meters). The yardage requirement varies by size: Small requires 9 balls, Medium requires 10 balls, Large requires 11 balls, 1X requires 12 balls, 2X requires 13 balls, and 3X requires 14 balls. The sample cardigan shown was worked in color #11, Dried Flowers.

The project requires US 4 and US 6 knitting needles (or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge), a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, two stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, and seven buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured in the Double Seed Stitch pattern using the larger needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the pattern emphasizes: "TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE." The back panel begins with 115 to 165 stitches depending on size, cast on with the smaller needles and worked in K1P1 Rib for 1 inch before switching to the larger needles for the main pattern sections.