Coastal Striped Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Coastal Striped Cardigan in Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton

What Is Being Made

The Coastal Striped Cardigan (Pattern #M22141 TC) is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed for a relaxed, comfortable fit. This garment features a classic button-front closure and is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from approximately 42 inches (106.5 cm) to 62 inches (157.5 cm). The finished length ranges from about 24½ inches to 27 inches depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is crafted using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Art. #761), a durable and breathable yarn choice ideal for warm-weather garments. The pattern calls for two coordinating colorways: #98 Ecru as the primary color (5 to 8 balls depending on size) and #110 Navy for the striping detail (2 to 3 balls depending on size). Additional materials include a circular knitting needle size 6 (4 mm) measuring 40 inches long, five ¾-inch buttons for the front closure, Lion Brand stitch markers, stitch holders, and a large-eyed blunt needle for finishing.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level project employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create a well-structured cardigan. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, worked by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases that contour the garment to the body. The striped colorwork adds visual interest while maintaining straightforward construction suitable for knitters with intermediate experience.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The foundation stitch creating a smooth, classic fabric texture by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• M1 (Make 1) – An increase technique worked by lifting the horizontal strand lying between needles, placing it on the left needle, and knitting through the back loop to create one new stitch
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) – A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches individually as if to knit, then inserting the left needle into the fronts of these stitches and knitting them together to reduce the stitch count by one

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows measuring approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cardigan achieves the intended dimensions. The pattern is written for the smallest size (Small) with adjustments for larger sizes noted in parentheses throughout, allowing knitters to customize the fit to their measurements.

Design Details

The Coastal Striped Cardigan features a five-button front closure, creating a classic cardigan silhouette. The striping pattern combines the warm Ecru base color with Navy accents, evoking a coastal aesthetic. The design was created in collaboration with Irina Poludnenko and published by Lion Brand Yarn Company in 2022, combining timeless cardigan construction with contemporary colorwork appeal.