Classic Elite Yarns Rigby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Rigby Cardigan: Lace and Cable Knit Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Rigby is a classic round neck cardigan designed by Tian Foley and originally published in Escape 1707. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction with eyelet-filled cables as the primary decorative element. The cardigan is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust measurements from 34¾ inches to 48½ inches and lengths from 21¼ inches to 24 inches. The design combines structural ribbed panels that define the waist with bell-shaped sleeve cuffs, creating a refined silhouette suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the piece is knitted from the cast-on edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments and try-ons during the knitting process. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished cardigan. This traditional approach provides excellent stitch definition and allows for precise shaping throughout the project.

The pattern incorporates strategic shaping techniques for armholes and other areas. During shaping, the pattern includes a helpful note: if there are insufficient stitches to work a yarn over with its companion decrease (either k2tog or ssk), the remaining stitch should be worked in Stockinette Stitch instead. This ensures the integrity of the lace pattern while maintaining proper garment proportions.

Stitches Used

The Rigby showcases two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the foundation fabric on the side edges and creates the smooth base for the decorative elements. Stockinette is worked as knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side.
• Lace and Cables Pattern: A 16-stitch by 16-row repeat that serves as the focal point of the design. This pattern combines eyelet lace elements created with yarn overs (yo) paired with decreases—both k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit)—to create openwork details. The cable component features a 4-stitch cable cross: slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front, knit 2 stitches from the main needle, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates the characteristic twisted cable effect.
• Ribbing: A k2, p4, k2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 4, knit 2) defines the waist area, providing elasticity and a tailored appearance. A 1-inch front band in ribbing frames the cardigan opening.
• Seed Stitch: A k1, p1 alternating pattern worked for 2 inches at the waist creates textural interest and helps maintain the garment's shape.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern is designed to be worked with two needle sizes—larger needles for the main body and lace/cable sections, and smaller needles for the ribbed waist detail. This needle transition creates the fitted waist shaping characteristic of the design. The pattern requires yarn suitable for the specified gauge, though specific yardage and fiber content details appear in the complete pattern documentation. Classic Elite Yarns produces high-quality yarns ideal for projects requiring stitch definition, particularly important for showcasing the intricate cable and lace work featured in the Rigby.

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 100 (108, 116, 132, 140) stitches depending on size, with the Lace and Cables chart worked over 96 to 128 center stitches while maintaining Stockinette Stitch edges. The pattern is repeated three times before the waist shaping, measuring approximately 6 inches from the cast-on edge.