Cleckheaton Longline Cardi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Cleckheaton Longline Cardi

What Is Being Made

The Cleckheaton Longline Cardi is a seamed knit cardigan designed in a contemporary longline silhouette. This downloadable knitting pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted cardigan that extends beyond the hip, offering a modern take on classic cardigan styling. The pattern is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various body measurements.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked bottom-up using the seamed, flat knitting technique. This construction approach means the garment pieces are knitted individually in flat rows rather than in the round, then assembled together with seams. Working flat allows for precise shaping and easier pattern manipulation, particularly beneficial for the structured shaping featured in this design.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Ribbing: The pattern begins with a knit-purl ribbed cuff worked over 18 rows using a 2x2 rib pattern (alternating 2 knit stitches with 2 purl stitches). This elastic ribbing provides structure and helps the garment sit close to the body at the edges.
• Stocking Stitch: The main body fabric is worked in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side.
• Decreasing: The pattern employs slip-one-knit-one-pass-slipped-stitch-over (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases to shape the garment at side seams and front edges, creating a tailored fit.
• Dart Patterning: Decorative darts are incorporated using twisted loop techniques (TWL and TWR), adding visual interest and shaping definition to the front pieces. These darts are worked at intervals throughout the pattern.
• Marker Placement: Stitch markers are used strategically to identify dart positions and shaping points, making it easier to track complex pattern sections.

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern is offered in multiple sizes with stitch counts ranging from 51 to 75 stitches for front pieces and 106 to 150 stitches for back pieces, accommodating different garment dimensions. The back piece undergoes progressive shaping, reducing from the initial cast-on through side decreases until reaching 97 to 141 stitches depending on size selection.

Shaping Details

The Cleckheaton Longline Cardi features sophisticated shaping throughout:

• Side Shaping: Decreases are worked at regular intervals (every 8th row) at the side edges to create a fitted silhouette that tapers inward.
• Front Slope Shaping: The front edges are shaped with decreases at the front edge to create the cardigan opening and neckline contour.
• Side Increases: Strategic increases at side edges in the upper body section add fullness for comfortable wearing and the characteristic longline proportions.
• Dart Integration: Darts worked into the front panels provide both structural shaping and decorative patterning, worked at regular 6-row intervals while simultaneously managing side decreases.

Materials Required

This pattern is designed to be worked with 4.00mm needles and yarn in a color designated as M (main color). The pattern references multi-colour options for Style A, suggesting the possibility of incorporating contrast colors, though specific yarn weight and yardage requirements would be detailed in the complete pattern document. The needle size and stitch gauge work together to create the appropriate fabric density for the finished garment.

Pattern Features

The Cleckheaton Longline Cardi demonstrates intermediate knitting skills, incorporating multiple techniques including ribbed edgings, basic stocking stitch, strategic decreasing and increasing for shaping, and decorative dart patterning. The multi-size range and detailed stitch-by-stitch instructions make this pattern accessible to experienced knitters seeking to create a polished, professionally finished cardigan with contemporary styling.