Emmeline Cardigan Jumper Knitting Pattern

Emmeline Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic

What Is Being Made

The Emmeline Cardigan is a multi-colored knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Dallas, featuring a sophisticated color-blocking pattern created with contrasting yarn shades. This intermediate-level garment is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with bust measurements from 81 cm to 102 cm (32 to 40 inches). The cardigan is constructed as a classic button-front piece with shaped armholes, structured shoulders, and a tailored neckline, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Emmeline Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The garment begins with a decorative bell ruffle worked across the lower edge, created by casting on a larger number of stitches and then decreasing to the desired width. The body is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern incorporates a charted color design worked into the body section, allowing for precise placement of the multi-color pattern elements. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked at the beginning of rows, with additional decreases worked inward from the edges to create a tapered fit. Shoulder shaping uses stepped cast-offs to create a properly fitted neckline, and the back neck features a generous width for comfortable wear.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the cardigan, worked in alternating knit and purl rows to create the smooth, flat fabric base
• Knit Stitches (K): Used for creating the right-side rows and structural elements
• Purl Stitches (P): Used for creating the wrong-side rows and reverse stockinette details
• K3tog (Knit 3 Together): A triple decrease used to shape the armholes and create tapered edges
• K3tog tbl (Knit 3 Together Through Back Loop): A left-leaning triple decrease used symmetrically on the opposite side of armhole shaping
• Decreases (dec): Even decreases worked across rows to transition from the bell ruffle to the main body width
• Cast-off (Bind-off): Used to secure stitches when shaping shoulders and finishing the neckline

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Emmeline Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Kid Classic, a premium yarn choice that provides excellent stitch definition for color work and structured garments. The multi-color version requires six different shades of Rowan Kid Classic yarn:

• Yarn A - Cement 890: The primary color, used for 5 to 7 balls of 50gm depending on size
• Yarn B - Sky Blue 915: 1 ball of 50gm for contrast color work
• Yarn C - Tiger 913: 1 ball of 50gm for contrast color work
• Yarn D - Champagne 898: 1 ball of 50gm for contrast color work
• Yarn E - Mulberry 894: 1 ball of 50gm for contrast color work
• Yarn F - Navy 917: 1 ball of 50gm for the bell ruffle and initial body rows

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to accommodate the transition from the bell ruffle to the main body. 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the initial cast-on and bell ruffle section, which creates a tighter gauge suitable for the decorative ruffle edge. 5mm (US 8) needles are used for the main body of the cardigan, allowing the fabric to relax slightly and creating the proper gauge for the finished measurements. The cardigan is finished with 6 buttons, which are spaced along the front opening for a classic cardigan closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 19 stitches and 25 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) measured in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly given the structured shaping of the armholes and