Danseuse Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Danseuse Cardigan in Berroco Pirouette

What is Being Made

The Danseuse Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan sweater designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a sophisticated construction method where the sleeves are worked in the round to the underarm, the body is worked flat in one piece, and all pieces are then joined together for a seamless yoke that is worked to the neckline. The cardigan is available in eight sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 39½ inches to 61 inches when closed, with finished lengths between 27¼ and 30¾ inches. The design includes approximately 1½ inches of front overlap, creating a classic cardigan silhouette.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Circular knitting in the round: The sleeves are constructed using circular needles and double-pointed needles to create seamless tubular sections from the cast-on edge to the underarm.
• Flat knitting: The body is worked flat using a 32-inch or longer circular needle, allowing for the traditional front and back panels of a cardigan.
• Increases: Strategic increases using M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) techniques are incorporated into the sleeves to create gradual shaping. These increases are repeated at varying intervals depending on the size being knitted, ranging from every 4th round to every 14th round.
• Ribbed edging: The sleeve cuffs feature a ribbed texture created using a knit-purl pattern repeat.
• Yoke construction: All pieces are joined and worked together from the underarm to the neckline, creating a unified upper garment section.
• Stitch markers: Six stitch markers are used throughout the construction to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Stitches Used

The Danseuse Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches that form the foundation of this intermediate project:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the right side.
• Ribbing: A combination of knit and purl stitches in a 1x2 pattern (K1, P2, K1 repeat) creates the elastic, textured cuffs at the sleeve openings.
• Increase stitches: M1L and M1R techniques are used to add stitches for sleeve shaping without creating visible holes, ensuring a refined appearance.

Materials and Gauge

The Danseuse Cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Pirouette yarn in the colorway #2360 Claret. Berroco Pirouette is a worsted-weight yarn with 50 grams per ball. The yardage requirement varies by size, with the pattern calling for 7 to 11 balls depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

The recommended gauge for this project is 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining accurate finished measurements, and knitters are advised to swatch and measure carefully before beginning the main project.

The pattern requires size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 32-inch needle (or longer) for working the body flat and a 16-inch needle for working the yoke. Additionally, one set of size 8 (5.00 mm) double-pointed needles is needed for constructing the sleeves in the round. Six stitch markers and waste yarn for holding stitches complete the notions list.