Dagmál Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Dagmál Cardigan in LOPI Fjallalopi

What Is Being Made

The Dagmál Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed for daylight hours and quiet mornings. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from 68 cm to 92 cm chest measurement, accommodating infants and young children. The cardigan features a classic construction with a yoke design, button front closure, and coordinating neckband.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The body is worked flat (back and forth) from the lower edge to the underarms using circular needles. Sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, which creates seamless cylindrical sleeves. After completing the body and sleeves separately, they are joined together and the yoke is worked back and forth in a fitted decrease pattern. Underarm stitches are grafted together using the Kitchener stitch technique to create invisible seams. The neckband is worked in ribbing with color changes for visual interest.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Dagmál Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches throughout its construction. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the main fabric of the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic appearance. The yoke features decreases worked from a chart pattern, with knit two together (k2tog) reductions strategically placed at markers to shape the neckline. Ribbing, worked as alternating knit and purl stitches (*k1, p1*), appears in both the neckband and button bands, providing elasticity and a finished edge. The pattern includes both knit and purl rows to create the ribbed texture.

Materials and Tools

The Dagmál Cardigan is knitted using LOPI Fjallalopi yarn, a traditional Icelandic wool. The yarn is worked in two colors: Color A (Mountain Blue, shade 3025) and Color B (Light Moorit, shade 3001). Yarn quantities vary by size, with Color A requiring 2 to 3 balls of 50 grams and Color B requiring 1 ball of 50 grams across all sizes.

The project requires specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge. A 3.5 mm circular needle measuring 60 cm is used for the main body and yoke work. A 3 mm circular needle measuring 60 cm is used for the neckband and bands. Double-pointed needles in both 3 mm and 3.5 mm sizes are necessary for working the sleeves in the round. The cardigan is finished with 5 buttons.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 29 rows over 10 x 10 centimeters when working stockinette stitch with 3.5 mm needles. Knitters are advised to check their gauge and adjust needle size if necessary before beginning the project. Five size options are provided with the following measurements:

• Size 68 cm: Chest 50 cm, Lower edge width 53 cm, Length to underarm 12 cm, Sleeve length to underarm 14 cm
• Size 74 cm: Chest 53 cm, Lower edge width 57 cm, Length to underarm 14 cm, Sleeve length to underarm 16 cm
• Size 80 cm: Chest 57 cm, Lower edge width 61 cm, Length to underarm 16 cm, Sleeve length to underarm 18 cm
• Size 86 cm: Chest 61 cm, Lower edge width 64 cm, Length to underarm 18 cm, Sleeve length to underarm 20 cm
• Size 92 cm: Chest 64 cm, Lower edge width 68 cm, Length to underarm 20 cm, Sleeve length to underarm 22 cm

Construction Overview

The Dagmál Cardigan follows a logical construction sequence. The sleeves are cast on and worked in the round to the underarm measurement. The body is cast on separately and worked flat to the underarm, with decreases worked at marked intervals. Body and sleeves are then joined on a circular needle, and the yoke is worked back and forth with decreases following a chart pattern. The yoke decreases continue until approximately 62 to 74 stitches remain, depending on size. After the yoke is complete,