Ella Rae Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ella Rae Poppy Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Ella Rae Poppy Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements from 32-50 inches (81-127 cm) across five size options: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large. This garment features a classic cardigan construction with button closures, offering finished bust measurements ranging from 34½ to 50½ inches (88-128 cm) and full lengths between 21½ and 24 inches (55-61 cm). The cardigan includes set-in sleeves with lengths ranging from 18 to 19 inches (46-48 cm) depending on size.

Techniques Used

The Poppy Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted in rows rather than in the round. The cardigan is seamed, indicating that individual pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming methods. The design incorporates stranded colorwork, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create the patterned design. The cardigan is constructed bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Poppy Cardigan features a 52-row pattern repeat that is worked over the body and sleeves, creating a cohesive colorwork design throughout the garment. The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches including knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side to establish the base fabric. Yarn overs are incorporated into the pattern work, adding texture and visual elements to the design. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as decreases and increases to create the fitted silhouette and proper sleeve cap shaping. The cardigan is fastened with 9 buttons positioned along the front opening.

Materials and Gauge

The Poppy Cardigan is knitted using Ella Rae Cashmereno Sport yarn, a lightweight sport-weight yarn available in six coordinating shades. The main body color is shade 04 Steel, with contrasting colors including shade 21 Mykonos, shade 27 Chartreuse, shade 23 Azalea, shade 25 Clementine, and shade 24 Saffron creating the stranded colorwork pattern. Yarn requirements vary by size, with the Small requiring 7 balls of Steel and 2 balls each of Mykonos and Chartreuse, while the XX-Large requires 11 balls of Steel and 3 balls each of Mykonos and Chartreuse, plus 1-2 balls of the accent shades.

The cardigan is worked on US 2½ (3 mm) and US 3 (3.25 mm) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings, while the larger needles accommodate the main pattern work. The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 30 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) measured over the pattern using US 3 (3.25 mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the stranded colorwork pattern displays as intended.