Classic Elite Yarns Bundeena Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Bundeena Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Bundeena is a relaxed, open-front raglan cardigan designed by Tian Foley. This garment features a comfortable, unstructured silhouette with front bands that are worked simultaneously with the left and right fronts. The cardigan is constructed in pieces using a bottom-up method and then seamed together, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a classic, wearable design with decorative cable detailing.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the cast-on edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and adjust length as needed.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, providing straightforward shaping and stitch manipulation.
• Seaming: Individual pieces are carefully seamed together after completion, creating clean, professional-looking seams throughout the garment.
• Cable work: The Bundeena features decorative cable panels that require cable crossing techniques to create the signature textured design.
• Decreasing and shaping: Strategic decreases using sk2p (slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) and k3tog (knit 3 together) techniques shape the raglan armholes and create the fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates two primary stitch patterns that work together to define the cardigan's aesthetic:

• Twisted Broken Rib: Worked over an odd number of stitches, this textured rib pattern alternates purl stitches with twisted knit stitches (knit through the back loop). The twisted knit stitches add visual interest and a subtle spiral effect compared to standard ribbing. This stitch is used as the primary background texture throughout the cardigan.
• Braid Cable: This decorative cable pattern is worked over 13 stitches and repeats every 8 rows. The pattern features cable crosses (C6B and CF6, representing cable 6 back and cable 6 front) that create a braided appearance. The cable is framed by reverse stockinette stitches (purl stitches on the right side) that make the cable design pop visually. During armhole shaping, if insufficient stitches remain to work all 9 center stitches of the cable, the remaining stitches are worked in stockinette stitch to maintain pattern integrity.
• Stockinette stitch: Used as a transitional stitch during shaping and as the base fabric in certain sections of the design.

Materials and Construction Details

The Bundeena is worked with larger needles to create the relaxed drape characteristic of this design. The pattern is available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 33¾ inches to 47½ inches and lengths between 24¾ and 26½ inches. The pattern requires yarn suitable for knitting on larger needles and is rated as an intermediate-level project, appropriate for knitters with experience in cable work and garment shaping. Front bands are strategically joined at the side or armhole edges rather than the center front to maintain neat, clean edges throughout construction.

Design Features

The cardigan showcases a sophisticated balance between textured stitchwork and open space. The Braid Cable panels are spaced evenly across the back and fronts, creating vertical lines that elongate the silhouette. The Twisted Broken Rib sections provide subtle texture without overwhelming the design. The raglan shaping, achieved through strategic decreasing, creates a comfortable, modern fit that accommodates various body types across the size range. This combination of techniques and stitches results in a garment that is both visually interesting and wearable for everyday occasions.