Claremore Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Claremore Cardigan in Berroco Artesia

What is Being Made

The Claremore Cardigan is a button-front knitted cardigan designed by Alison Green. This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated construction method worked seamlessly from the neck down. The cardigan is available in nine size options, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 37 inches (94 cm) to 69 inches (175.5 cm), with corresponding length measurements from 21¾ inches (55.5 cm) to 25¾ inches (65.5 cm). The design is shown in a size 41 inches (104 cm) bust and includes seven ¾-inch buttons for closure.

Construction Technique

This cardigan employs a top-down construction method, a popular technique in modern knitting that allows for easy fitting adjustments. The garment is worked beginning at the neck and progresses downward to the underarms, where the piece is then divided to create the body and sleeves separately. This approach eliminates the need for seaming and provides greater control over fit and length during the knitting process. The pattern recommends alternating skeins every two rows to ensure even color distribution throughout the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Claremore Cardigan features a lace rib pattern worked in the yoke section, combining both textural and decorative elements. The lace rib incorporates fundamental knitting techniques including knit stitches, purl stitches, yarn overs (yo), knit two together (k2tog) decreases, and slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases. These stitch manipulations create the characteristic openwork pattern typical of lace ribbing. The body of the garment is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which produces a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-shaped stitch pattern on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side.

Materials and Gauge

The Claremore Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Berroco Artesia yarn. Depending on the size selected, the project requires between two and three hanks of yarn, each weighing 100 grams. The colorway shown in the pattern is #4802 Carnation. Knitting needles required include 36-inch circular needles in both size 8 (5 mm) and size 10 (6 mm), as well as one set each of double-pointed needles in these same sizes for working small circumferences in the round, such as sleeves. Waste yarn is needed to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

The pattern is worked to an intermediate gauge of 13 stitches and 19 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project. The cardigan is designed with positive ease of 2 to 6 inches (10 to 15.5 cm), meaning the finished bust measurement will be larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern includes comprehensive instructions for all nine sizes, with measurements clearly marked in both inches and centimeters. The yoke section features the decorative lace rib pattern, while the main body transitions to stockinette stitch for a clean, wearable finish. Seven buttons are required to complete the cardigan's front closure, and the pattern specifies ¾-inch buttons as appropriate for this design.