Classic Elite Yarns Ren Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Ren Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Ren is a fitted cardigan with three-quarter length sleeves, originally published in Yuri 1701. This garment is designed by Tonia Barry and features a classic silhouette enhanced by decorative lace details. The cardigan is constructed to flatter the figure through subtle waist shaping, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked bottom-up in pieces that are later seamed together. The body and sleeves are worked flat on needles rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and lace panel placement. This construction method provides excellent control over fit and ensures clean, professional finishing.

Primary Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• 2 x 2 Ribbing: Used for the cuff edging, this reversible stitch pattern (multiple of 4 stitches plus 2) alternates knit and purl columns. The ribbing is worked for 1½ inches and provides elasticity and a polished finish to the lower edge.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves, stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic appearance and serves as the perfect canvas for the lace panels.
• Lace Panels: Dainty lace details are incorporated into the center front and the cuffs of the three-quarter length sleeves. These lace panels are worked using decreases and yarn overs to create openwork patterns, adding visual interest and femininity to the design. Pattern charts for the lace are provided on page 5 of the original instructions.

Shaping Techniques

The Ren demonstrates several essential knitting shaping techniques that create its fitted silhouette:

• Waist Shaping: Decreases are worked symmetrically using k2tog and ssk (slip, slip, knit) stitches positioned 2 stitches in from each edge. Three decrease rows are spaced 11 to 13 rows apart (depending on size), removing 2 stitches per decrease row for a total of 6 stitches decreased at the waist.
• Waist Increases: After the waist shaping, increases are worked using m1-r (make one right) and m1-l (make one left) techniques, positioned symmetrically to restore stitch counts and create a gentle A-line silhouette below the bust.
• Armhole Shaping: Bind-off stitches at the beginning of rows establish the armhole depth, followed by additional decreases worked at the armhole edges over several rows to create a fitted sleeve cap.
• Neck Shaping: The front neck opening is shaped by binding off center stitches and working each shoulder separately, allowing for proper neckline depth and shoulder fit.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked with yarn suitable for a fitted cardigan and needles in two sizes: smaller needles for the ribbed cuff and larger needles for the main body. The pattern provides six size options with stitch counts ranging from 94 to 154 cast-on stitches, accommodating various garment sizes. Buttons are grouped in sets of three for fastening, creating a distinctive closure detail.

Design Details

The Ren cardigan combines practical construction with elegant design elements. The three-quarter length sleeves provide versatility for layering, while the lace cuffs add a delicate finishing touch. The center front lace panel draws the eye vertically, creating a flattering line, and the subtle waist shaping ensures a polished, fitted appearance. The grouping of buttons in sets of three adds visual interest to the front closure.