Diagonal Rib Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Diagonal Rib Cardigan in Noro Mirai

What Is Being Made

The Diagonal Rib Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan sweater featuring a distinctive diagonal rib stitch pattern. This intermediate-level project is sized for Small through XXLarge, with finished bust measurements ranging from 36½ inches (92.5 cm) to 55½ inches (141 cm) and a length between 21¼ and 23½ inches (54 to 59.5 cm) depending on size. The cardigan is designed as a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate techniques that build essential skills. The construction involves increasing stitches through methods such as knitting into the front and back of a stitch, as well as using make-one increases (both knit and purl variations) to shape the garment. The pattern utilizes stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the project. Picking up and knitting stitches along edges is required for finishing details, and the pattern includes decreasing stitches using slip, slip, knit (SSK) and slip, slip, purl (SSP) techniques to create tailored shaping. The cardigan features selvage stitches along edges to facilitate seaming, and the pattern incorporates chart reading with "no stitch" spaces indicating areas where stitches have been decreased or not yet made.

Stitches Used

• Diagonal Rib Stitch – the primary pattern stitch that creates the cardigan's distinctive textured appearance
• Knit and Purl Stitches – fundamental stitches that form the basis of the ribbed pattern
• Make-One Increases (M1 and M1P) – used for seamless shaping by lifting the strand between stitches
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) and Slip, Slip, Purl (SSP) – decrease techniques that maintain stitch consistency
• Selvage Stitches – edge stitches that create clean seaming lines

Materials and Tools

The Diagonal Rib Cardigan is worked in Noro Mirai, a premium yarn that brings color and texture to this project. The pattern calls for 3 to 4 skeins of 100g weight depending on size (Small, Medium, and Large require 3 skeins; X-Large and XXLarge require 4 skeins). The yarn is worked on a US 6/4mm circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length, sized to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern also requires one ¾-inch (20mm) button for closure and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping. For optimal results, the editor recommends using LYKKE® needles for this project.