Classic Elite Yarns Shagbark Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shagbark Cardigan by Classic Elite Yarns

Project Overview

Shagbark is a textured A-line cardigan featuring stockinette stitch sleeves and a shaped body. Originally published in Harvest Woods 9232, this knit-in-blackthorn design combines classic construction with refined shaping techniques. The cardigan is worked flat from the bottom up with seamed construction, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, wearable garment with elegant proportions.

Construction Method

This cardigan employs a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat construction approach. The back, fronts, and sleeves are knitted separately as individual pieces, then assembled together. This method allows for precise shaping and fitting adjustments during the knitting process, and the seamed construction provides durability and clean finishing.

Pattern Stitches and Techniques

The Shagbark cardigan utilizes two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and structure:

• 2 x 2 Rib (multiple of 4 stitches plus 2): A classic ribbed stitch worked over alternating knit and purl columns. This stitch appears in the cuff ribbing at the garment's base, providing stretch and elasticity. The 2 x 2 Rib is worked for 3 inches at the beginning, establishing a fitted foundation.
• Broken Rib (odd number of stitches): A textured variation featuring alternating knit and purl stitches on the right side, with knit rows on the wrong side. This stitch creates the distinctive texture throughout the body of the cardigan and is worked for 3 rows after the initial ribbing, contributing to the garment's visual appeal and fabric character.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the sleeves, providing a smooth, classic finish that contrasts with the textured body.

Shaping and Decreases

The cardigan incorporates sophisticated shaping through multiple decrease techniques:

• Side Decreases: Worked on the wrong side using slip-slip-knit (ssk) and knit-two-together (k2tog) decreases. These decreases are repeated every 10 rows, creating the A-line silhouette by gradually reducing stitch count. The side decreases are worked 4 times total, removing 2 stitches per decrease row for a total of 8 stitches decreased along each side seam.
• Raglan Decreases: Applied to the back, fronts, and sleeves to create the raglan armhole shaping. The back raglan decreases remove 2 stitches per decrease row (one on each side), while front raglan decreases remove 1 stitch per row. Sleeve raglan decreases also remove 2 stitches per row. These decreases are worked on right-side rows and are complemented by specific purl edge stitches on wrong-side rows to maintain clean selvage edges.

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern is offered in five size options, with back cast-on stitches ranging from 74 to 106 stitches. This range accommodates multiple finished garment sizes. The piece measures 4 inches from the beginning after the initial ribbing and Broken Rib sections are complete, and reaches 15 to 16.25 inches in length before armhole shaping begins (depending on size).

Materials

This project is worked with Classic Elite Yarns yarn using needles appropriate to the yarn weight specified in the complete pattern. The seamed construction requires yarn for grafting or weaving seams together. Specific yarn yardage and needle size recommendations appear in the full pattern documentation.

Finished Garment Characteristics

The Shagbark cardigan features an elegant A-line shape created through progressive side decreases in the lower body, combined with raglan armhole shaping for comfortable sleeve cap fit. The textured Broken Rib stitch provides visual interest and subtle dimensionality, while stockinette sleeves offer a refined contrast. The 2 x 2 Rib cuff ensures a secure, stretchy fit at the hem.