Daphne Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Daphne Cardigan in Berroco Cambria

What is Being Made

The Daphne Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted garment designed by Amy Christoffers. This is a classic button-front cardigan available in nine sizes, ranging from 34¾ inches to 69¾ inches in bust circumference (88.5 cm to 177 cm). The cardigan features a fitted silhouette with positive ease of 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) and lengths varying from 21 inches to 24½ inches (53.5 cm to 62 cm) depending on size selection. The design is shown in size 43½ inches (110.5 cm) and is finished with six ¾-inch (19 mm) buttons for closure.

Construction Techniques

The Daphne Cardigan employs a highly efficient one-piece construction method. The body is worked as a single continuous piece from the cast-on edge up to the underarms, eliminating the need for seaming at the side seams. Once the body reaches the underarm depth, it is divided into separate sections for the back and front panels, which are then worked in rows to the shoulders. This technique provides structural integrity and ensures proper fit alignment throughout the garment.

The sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles from the cuff to the underarm, creating a seamless tubular construction. Once the sleeves reach the underarm, the sleeve caps transition to flat working in rows, allowing for proper shaping and cap ease to be knitted directly into the garment rather than requiring seaming adjustments.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Daphne Cardigan begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 1×1 rib pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches). This ribbing is worked over 2 inches (5 cm) using smaller needles to create elasticity and a neat finished edge. The ribbing setup uses a two-row repeat: Row 1 (wrong side) consists of purl 2, then alternating knit 1 and purl 1 to the last stitch finished with purl 1; Row 2 (right side) consists of knit 2, then alternating purl 1 and knit 1 to the last stitch finished with knit 1.

After the ribbed cuff, the pattern transitions to stockinette stitch (St st) worked with the larger needles. The garment also incorporates a charted pattern, which adds visual interest and texture to the finished cardigan. The combination of stockinette stitch and charted pattern work creates a sophisticated fabric with both smooth and patterned sections.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Daphne Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Berroco Cambria yarn in the colorway #7942 Oak. Yardage requirements vary by size, with smaller sizes requiring 8 hanks and larger sizes requiring up to 16 hanks of yarn. Berroco Cambria is a premium yarn choice that provides excellent stitch definition for both the ribbed and patterned sections of this cardigan.

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles: one pair in size 5 (3.75 mm) and one pair in size 7 (4.5 mm), both 32 inches (80 cm) in length. Additionally, one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm) is needed for working the sleeves in the round. The smaller needles are used for the ribbed cuff sections, while the larger needles are used for the main fabric where the stockinette stitch and charted pattern are worked.

Additional notions required include stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, six ¾-inch (19 mm) buttons for the front closure, and at least one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge for the Daphne Cardigan is 22 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) when working in stockinette stitch and charted pattern using the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining accurate finished measurements and ensuring the cardigan fits as designed. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to avoid potential sizing issues.