Classic Elite Yarns Gierson Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Gierson Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Gierson is a shawl collar cardigan designed by Tonia Barry, originally published in Gigi 1802A. This intermediate-level knitting project features a lace panel on the fronts and set-in bell sleeves. The cardigan is worked flat from the bottom up and is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 40 inches to 59¾ inches.

Construction and Techniques

The Gierson cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up method, with the back and fronts worked separately in a flat knitting approach. The design incorporates strategic shaping throughout the garment to create a tailored silhouette. The pattern includes side shaping with decreases worked at regular intervals to achieve waist definition, followed by armhole shaping and shoulder shaping to create proper garment structure. The front bands are worked simultaneously with the fronts to ensure a neat, finished center front edge. This technique requires joining new yarn at the side or armhole edge of each front rather than at the center front to maintain a clean appearance.

The lace detailing is a signature feature of this cardigan, appearing as an openwork panel on the fronts. The bell sleeves are set into the armholes using traditional set-in sleeve construction, which provides a classic, structured fit.

Stitches Used

• 1 x 1 Rib: A fundamental ribbed stitch worked over an odd number of stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches. This stitch is used for the ribbed edging at the lower edge of the back, creating 1 inch of elastic ribbing before transitioning to the main body.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric.
• Openwork Pattern: A lace stitch worked over a multiple of 4 stitches, featuring yarn overs and decreases (k2tog and ssk) to create decorative openings. This pattern is repeated across rows to form the lace panel on the fronts and adds visual interest and texture to the garment.
• Decreases (k2tog and ssk): These stitches are used throughout the pattern for shaping, including side decreases, armhole shaping, and shoulder shaping. The decreases are worked strategically to create a fitted waist and properly proportioned armholes.

Materials and Needles

The Gierson pattern is designed for use with Classic Elite Yarns products. The pattern calls for both smaller and larger needles to accommodate different sections of the cardigan: smaller needles are used for the ribbed edging, while larger needles are used for the main body in stockinette stitch and lace. Specific yarn weight and needle size recommendations are provided in the complete pattern documentation from Classic Elite Yarns.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The back piece begins with casting on between 105 and 155 stitches depending on size, and the pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions for shaping. The garment measures approximately 14 to 15½ inches from the cast-on edge to the armhole, with armhole depth ranging from 6¾ to 9 inches depending on size. The pattern provides multiple options for each shaping section, allowing knitters to customize the fit within the range of available sizes.