Classic Elite Yarns Primed Canvas Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Primed Canvas Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Primed Canvas is a classic fitted cardigan designed by Tonia Barry, originally published in Fall 2011 in Palette, a printed collection of designs created with Liberty Wool. This cardigan features a tailored silhouette with fitted sleeves and is suitable for experienced knitters seeking a refined, structured garment.

Construction Method and Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, with pieces worked flat on straight needles. The garment is built in separate sections—back, right front, left front, and sleeves—that are subsequently seamed together. This traditional construction method allows for precise shaping at the armholes and shoulders, creating a well-fitted garment with professional finishing.

The pattern includes hemmed edges created by working a stockinette stitch hem, followed by a purl turning row, which is then folded and secured. This detail adds a polished, refined finish to the lower edge of the garment.

Stitch Techniques

The Primed Canvas incorporates several advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Forms the primary fabric base throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic appearance
• Cable Stitches: A cable panel featuring 26 stitches (decreased to 21) is worked using specialized cable techniques. The pattern includes multiple cable cross variations:
  • C6F and C6B (6-stitch cables, front and back)
  • C5F and C5B (5-stitch cables, front and back)
  • T5F and T5B (twisted 5-stitch cables, front and back)
  • C6F with decrease (cable cross with integrated decrease)
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases are used to shape armholes and shoulders with clean, directional decreases
• Bind-offs: Strategic bind-offs create structured armhole and shoulder shaping

Cable techniques require the use of a cable needle (cn) to hold stitches while crossing yarn over them, creating the dimensional twisted texture characteristic of cable-knit garments.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is offered in six sizes with cast-on stitches ranging from 80 to 130 stitches for the back piece, accommodating various body measurements. Armhole depth and shoulder shaping are proportionally adjusted across sizes, from 7 inches to 9½ inches, ensuring proper fit across the size range.

Materials and Tools

This pattern is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns Liberty Wool, a premium yarn choice that complements the classic aesthetic of the design. The pattern requires two needle sizes—a smaller needle for the hemmed cuffs and a larger needle for the main body—allowing for proper gauge control and creating a subtle transition between the hem and body fabric.

Skill Level

This cardigan is rated for experienced knitters due to the complexity of cable panel work, multiple decreasing techniques, and the precision required for seaming and finishing a fitted garment.