Connie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Connie Cardigan: A Beginner-Friendly Knit in Luxury Yarn Blend

What is Being Made

The Connie Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), with actual garment chest measurements from 94.5 cm to 174.5 cm. This versatile piece is suitable for multiple sizes and offers a timeless silhouette perfect for layering and everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction includes ribbed edging worked in a 1x1 rib pattern to create elasticity and definition at the lower edge. The main body features a basket weave stitch pattern, which creates visual texture while remaining accessible to knitters developing their skills. The pattern requires shaping at the shoulder and back neck, with decreases worked at the neck edge over multiple rows to create proper garment fit. Stitch holders are used to manage stitches during construction, and the neckband is worked using a circular needle, demonstrating basic seamless knitting techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Connie Cardigan uses two primary stitch patterns:

• 1x1 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) create the initial ribbed edge, providing stretch and a finished appearance at the lower edge of the garment.
• Basket Weave Pattern: This textured stitch is created by alternating blocks of knit and purl stitches over 8 rows. The pattern sequence includes rows worked as P1, *P4, K4* and *P4, K4* with variations that shift the blocks, creating the characteristic woven appearance. This stitch pattern adds visual interest while remaining manageable for beginner-level knitters.

Additional techniques include single stitch decreases at the neck edge to shape the neckline and casting off in pattern to maintain stitch consistency at garment edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Connie Cardigan is knitted using a luxurious yarn combination that blends natural fibers for softness and wearability. The pattern calls for Rowan Cotton Cashmere & Kidsilk Haze yarns held together as a single strand throughout the project.

• Rowan Cotton Cashmere & Kidsilk Haze in CC Linen 211: Available in 50-gram balls, with quantities ranging from 11 to 22 balls depending on size.
• Rowan Kidsilk Haze in KSH Pearl 590: Available in 25-gram balls, with quantities ranging from 7 to 13 balls depending on size.

The yarn combination creates a fabric with excellent drape and a soft, luxurious hand. Holding one strand of each yarn together produces a blended yarn that incorporates cotton for breathability, cashmere for softness, and kidsilk for sheen and fluidity.

Needles required:

• 1 pair of 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuff
• 1 pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body
• 1 circular needle in 4mm (US 6), measuring at least 120 cm, for the neckband

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the basket weave stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles while holding one strand each of Cotton Cashmere and Kidsilk Haze together. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all size options.

Construction Overview

The Connie Cardigan is constructed in separate pieces, beginning with the left front. The left front is cast on using 3.25mm needles and worked in 1x1 ribbing for 2 centimeters before changing to 4mm needles and the basket weave pattern. The garment is shaped at the shoulder and back neck through strategic decreases, with stitches held on stitch holders during construction. The back and right front follow similar construction methods, with the neckband worked last using