Classic Elite Yarns Cassidy Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Cassidy Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Cassidy is a raglan cardigan knit from the bottom up in soft linen yarn. This design features a deep scoop neckline and decorative lace panels on the fronts and sleeves. The cardigan includes a distinctive split ribbed hem that is longer at the back, with ties emerging from the side seams that can be tied at the back or front for styling versatility. Originally published in Homestead 1403, this pattern was designed by Deborah Helmke and offers a sophisticated, elegant silhouette suitable for warm-weather wear.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments and try-ons during the knitting process
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together
• Raglan shaping: Armholes are shaped using raglan decreases that create diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline
• Lace panels: Decorative lace elements are incorporated into the front and sleeve sections for visual interest and a refined aesthetic
• Seamed construction: Pieces are sewn together using traditional seaming techniques to create finished edges

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout most of the cardigan for a smooth, classic fabric
• 2x2 Ribbing: A knit-purl rib pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, creating the textured ribbed hem. This rib is worked by alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches across rows
• Increase stitches (m1): Make-one increases are used to shape the body, creating subtle shaping lines
• Decrease stitches (ssk and k2tog): Slip-slip-knit and knit-two-together decreases are used for raglan armhole shaping and other decreasing sections
• Bind-off: Standard bind-off techniques are used to finish edges and create the armhole openings

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked in soft linen yarn from Classic Elite Yarns, which provides a breathable, drape-friendly fabric ideal for a cardigan. The yarn choice contributes to the garment's elegant appearance and warm-weather wearability. The pattern is worked on needles in multiple sizes, with the largest needles used for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections, allowing for proper gauge and fabric consistency throughout the construction. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use by knitters of various skill levels.

Pattern Details

The Cassidy cardigan is offered in six sizes, with stitch counts ranging from 24 to 42 stitches for the initial cast-on, expanding to 66 to 114 stitches after the split hem construction. The back piece begins with a cast-on followed by a purl row, then uses a two-row repeat of cast-on increases to create the distinctive longer hem at the back. Once the hem is complete, the body is worked even in stockinette stitch before raglan armhole shaping begins. The armhole shaping uses a combination of bind-offs and decreases worked every few rows, with the frequency of decreases varying by size to accommodate different proportions. The pattern provides detailed instructions for each size, ensuring a well-fitted garment across the full range.