Chime Mama Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Chime Mama Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK

What Is Being Made

The Chime Mama Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This intermediate-level garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm bust measurements, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished cardigan features a classic construction with front button closure, raglan armholes, and a neckband detail.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques throughout its construction. Raglan armhole shaping is a primary feature, with decreases worked at regular intervals to create the distinctive sloped shoulder line characteristic of raglan sleeves. The pattern includes striping created by alternating between two yarn colors at specific intervals, requiring careful attention to color changes and pattern repeats. Decreasing techniques are essential, including slip stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit two together (K2tog) reductions, particularly for the raglan shaping and side seam details. The garment also features a side seam opening marked during construction, adding a design element to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Chime Mama Cardigan is primarily constructed using garter stitch (g st), which is created by knitting every row on both sides. This fundamental stitch provides a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and structure. The pattern incorporates knit stitches (K) as the base element, with slip stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit two together decreases (K2tog) used strategically for shaping. These decrease techniques are worked at specific intervals—sometimes on the third row, sometimes on fourth rows, and sometimes on alternating rows—depending on the size being knitted and the shaping requirements of that particular section.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Chime Mama Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double knit weight suitable for warm-weather garments. The pattern requires two yarn colors: Yarn A in Steel (shade 458) and Yarn B in Silvery Blue (shade 468). Yardage requirements vary by size, with quantities ranging from 7 to 13 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

Two needle sizes are required for this project. 3¼mm (US size 3) needles are used for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections, while 3½mm (US size 4) needles are used for the main body of the garment. This needle size progression creates a slightly tighter gauge at the edges while allowing for the proper fabric density in the body. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 40 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch using the 3½mm needles, making accurate gauge swatching essential before beginning the project.

Additional Details

The cardigan is finished with six shell buttons measuring 1.5 centimeters, which provide both functional closure and decorative detail. The left front includes a marked side seam opening positioned approximately 34 centimeters from the cast-on edge, creating a design feature that distinguishes this cardigan from basic styles. The striped colorwork using Steel and Silvery Blue creates visual interest while maintaining the simplicity of garter stitch construction, making this an excellent intermediate project for knitters looking to develop their skills in color work and garment shaping.