Cascade Yarns W Budded Vine Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns W Budded Vine Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Cascade Yarns W Budded Vine Cardigan is a knitted button-front cardigan sweater designed by Melissa Leapman. This intermediate-level project is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements of 34 to 47½ inches and a total length of 22 to 23 inches. The cardigan features decorative bud panel motifs and is fastened with three 1-inch buttons.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished design. The construction begins with a twisted rib pattern for the ribbed edging, which adds elasticity and structure to the garment's lower edge. The main body is worked in reverse stockinette stitch, a fundamental technique that creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface. The most distinctive design element is the bud panel, a decorative cable or textured motif that appears in multiple locations throughout the cardigan. Stitch markers are used to organize and separate different pattern sections, ensuring accurate placement of design elements. The cardigan is constructed using two different needle sizes—smaller needles for the ribbed sections and larger needles for the main body—a common technique for achieving proper gauge and fabric characteristics in different areas of a garment.

Stitches Used

• Twisted Rib Pattern: A ribbed stitch worked over multiples of 2 plus 1 stitch, created by alternating purl stitches with knit stitches worked through the back loop. This creates a twisted, textured elastic edge.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch pattern for the cardigan body, worked by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows. This creates the characteristic bumpy texture and serves as the background for the bud panels.
• Bud Panel: A decorative motif worked over 14 stitches, referenced via a chart in the pattern. The bud panel measures approximately 2½ inches across when worked with the larger needles.

Materials and Tools

The Cascade Yarns W Budded Vine Cardigan is worked using Cascade Yarns Friday Harbor yarn, a premium blend of 80% Merino Wool and 20% Silk. Each skein contains 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and provides 220 yards (200 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires 5 to 8 skeins depending on size, with the color specified as #14 (Walnut), a neutral brown tone. The cardigan is knitted on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles for the ribbed sections and US 8 (5.0 mm) needles for the main body, with gauge checked at 18 stitches and 26 rows equaling 4 inches in reverse stockinette stitch. Additional tools include a cable needle for manipulating stitches in decorative sections, stitch markers for pattern organization, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and three 1-inch buttons for closure.