Classic Elite Yarns Skibereen Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Skibereen Cardigan and Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Skibereen is a versatile knitted cardigan or pullover sweater designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Emerald Isle 1508. This garment features front pockets and is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. Both the cardigan and pullover versions share the same foundational construction for the back, fronts, and sleeves, with the primary difference being the front closure style.

Construction Technique

The Skibereen is worked using a bottom-up, seamed, and flat knitting method. This traditional approach means you begin by casting on stitches at the lower edge and work upward in rows, rather than working in the round. The garment pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—are knitted separately in a flat construction and then seamed together at the shoulders and sides. After the shoulder seams are completed, stitches for the sleeves are picked up from between armhole markers and worked from the top down to the cuff, following the same sleeve directions for both versions.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Skibereen incorporates three primary knitting stitches that create visual interest and textural variety:

• Seed Stitch: A textured stitch that alternates knit and purl stitches to create a bumpy, woven appearance. The pattern accommodates both even and odd numbers of stitches, with the odd-stitch version worked as K1, *p1, k1* across all rows.
• 2 x 2 Rib: A classic ribbed stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2. Ribs are created by alternating knit and purl columns, providing elasticity and structure. The 2 x 2 Rib begins the garment at the lower edge, typically measuring 1½ to 2 inches depending on size.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The foundational smooth stitch that comprises the majority of the garment body, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows.

Pattern Layout and Design Details

The back and front pieces begin with a 2 x 2 Rib cuff worked for 1½ to 2 inches, depending on size. The ribbed section transitions to stockinette stitch and continues for approximately 5 to 6½ inches from the cast-on edge. The design then introduces a sophisticated stitch pattern combination: seed stitch is worked at the side edges and across the center panel, while stockinette stitch frames the pockets on either side. This creates a balanced visual composition with textured elements highlighting the front pockets. The garment is worked even until reaching the armhole markers, which are placed at approximately 16 to 18 inches from the cast-on edge depending on size.

Pockets

Two identical pockets are constructed as part of the design. Each pocket is created by casting on 14 stitches and working in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 4 inches. The stitches are then secured on a holder and incorporated into the front pieces during construction, providing functional and decorative elements.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Skibereen is designed to showcase Classic Elite Yarns products, which are known for their quality and vibrant color options. While specific yarn weight and needle size recommendations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the construction method and stitch patterns suggest appropriate needle sizing would be determined by the yarn weight specified in the complete pattern. Knitters should refer to the full pattern documentation from Classic Elite Yarns for precise yarn yardage requirements and recommended needle sizes for each garment size.

Skill Level

The Skibereen is rated as an Easy skill level project, making it accessible to knitters with basic to intermediate experience. The straightforward bottom-up construction, simple stitch combinations, and clear pattern repeats allow newer knitters to build confidence while creating a polished, wearable garment.