Chenin Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Chenin Cardigan in Berroco Summer Silk

What is Being Made

The Chenin Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Alison Green. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in nine sizes, ranging from 33" to 57" bust measurements, with finished lengths between 21¾" and 24½". The cardigan is designed with minimal ease of approximately 0–2", making it a close-fitting style suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Method

The Chenin Cardigan uses a distinctive construction technique that begins with the back piece. The back is cast on at the back shoulders and neck area, then worked downward to the underarm using short row shaping to create fitted shoulders. The front panels are subsequently picked up along the shoulders of the completed back piece and worked down to the underarm. Once the back and fronts reach the underarm, all pieces are joined together and worked in one continuous piece down to the hem. Sleeves are picked up around the armhole opening, and sleeve caps are shaped using short rows for a tailored fit. Finally, the front bands and neckband are picked up and knitted to complete the cardigan.

Knitting Stitches and Techniques

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch used throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Short Row Shaping – Used extensively at the shoulders of the back piece and in the sleeve caps to create shaping and a fitted silhouette without increasing or decreasing stitches in traditional ways
• Picking Up Stitches – Required for attaching front panels to the back shoulders and for adding sleeves around the armhole
• Circular Knitting – The pattern uses circular needles to work sections in the round and flat, allowing for seamless construction of the body once pieces are joined
• Button Bands – Front bands and neckband are picked up and knitted as finishing details

Yarn and Materials

The Chenin Cardigan is knitted using Berroco Summer Silk yarn in the colorway #4063 Lake. This yarn comes in 50-gram balls, and the pattern requires between 5 and 8 balls depending on the finished size selected. Berroco Summer Silk is a lightweight, breathable yarn ideal for warm-weather garments.

The project requires a comprehensive set of needles in two sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• 16" circular needles in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm)
• 29" circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm)
• 36" circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm)
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm)

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when working in stockinette stitch on the larger needle size. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly given the minimal ease built into the design. The cardigan is finished with six ½" buttons for closure. Additional notions include 6 stitch markers, removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and 2 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.