Classic Elite Yarns Bigelow Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Bigelow Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Bigelow is a cropped, shawl collar cardigan designed by Tian Foley. This garment features a contemporary silhouette with a distinctive shawl collar and is available in five sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large, with finished bust measurements from 33¾" to 52¾". The cardigan is worked from the bottom up using a seamed, flat construction method, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, tailored fit.

Techniques Used

The Bigelow employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that add visual interest and structural integrity to the finished garment. The construction begins with a bottom-up approach, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses. The front bands are worked simultaneously with the left and right fronts to ensure neat, even edges at the center front. Raglan shaping is incorporated to create the armhole and sleeve cap decreases, with the pattern offering both single and double decrease variations depending on the size being knitted. Short-row shaping is used in the collar extension, with the pattern noting that wrapping stitches at turning points is unnecessary since any gaps will be concealed within the garter ridges. The garment is seamed together, requiring finishing work at the underarms and side seams.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Bigelow utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the primary fabric throughout most of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic appearance. Reverse stockinette stitch (Rev St st) appears on the back piece, worked between edge stitches in stockinette to create a subtle textural contrast. Garter stitch ridges feature in the shawl collar extension, providing a traditional, refined finish. Decreases are worked using standard techniques: single decreases (ssk and k2tog) for smaller size adjustments, and double decreases (sssk and k3tog) for more dramatic shaping in larger sizes. The pattern requires careful attention to decrease placement to maintain balanced raglan shaping on both sides of the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Bigelow is designed to be worked with two strands of yarn held together throughout the entire project, creating a substantial fabric with excellent drape and durability. This two-strand construction contributes to the cardigan's structured appearance and professional finish. The recommended gauge is 12½ stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked with two strands of yarn held together and blocked. Knitters are advised to check gauge carefully before beginning, as even small variations can significantly affect the finished measurements. While specific yarn fiber content and yardage requirements are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the two-strand construction suggests the use of lighter-weight yarns that, when doubled, create a medium-weight fabric suitable for a tailored cardigan. Appropriate needle size should be selected to achieve the specified gauge with the chosen yarn.

Pattern Origin and Design Details

The Bigelow was originally published in Wildwood and MountainTop 1609, a printed collection of designs by Classic Elite Yarns. This heritage publication indicates the pattern's established place within the brand's design catalog. The cardigan is offered as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use by knitters. The pattern includes finished measurements for all five sizes, detailed shaping instructions for each size variation, and comprehensive notes to guide knitters through construction. The intermediate skill level designation reflects the pattern's use of raglan shaping, simultaneous band construction, and short-row techniques, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills seeking to expand their technical repertoire.