Ficus Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ficus Cardigan in Rowan Tweed Haze

What Is Being Made

The Ficus Cardigan is a knitted button-front cardigan designed by Georgia Farrell. This intermediate-level garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 71-76 cm (28-30 in) through 152-157 cm (60-62 in), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a structured construction with separate front and back pieces, front bands, and a classic five-button closure.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Ficus Cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment is constructed using a combination of stocking stitch and textured patterning, with careful shaping at the armholes and neckline. The pattern includes detailed instructions for working each side of the neck separately, allowing for precise shaping and professional finishing. Decreases are worked at strategic points to create fitted armholes, while the front band is worked as a separate element using stitches held on a holder during main body construction. The cardigan is finished with five wooden buttons measuring 2.2 cm, which are sewn through the completed front band.

Stitches Used

The Ficus Cardigan incorporates several essential knitting stitches:

• Stocking Stitch (St St): The primary stitch used throughout the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit and Purl Stitches: Combined in a repeating pattern to create textured interest and visual depth across the front and back pieces
• Cast-on and Cast-off Stitches: Used to establish the initial stitches and secure finished edges throughout the garment
• Decreases: Worked at the neck edge and armholes to shape the garment and create proper fit

Pattern Details and Gauge

The pattern requires achieving precise tension for proper fit. The specified tension is 14½ stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm measured over stocking stitch, and 15 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm measured over pattern, both using 6mm (US 10) needles. Maintaining this tension is critical for the finished garment to match the intended measurements across all nine size options.

Materials Required

The Ficus Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Tweed Haze yarn (photographed in Winter 550). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 5 balls for the smallest size to 9 balls for the largest size. The pattern calls for 6mm (US 10) straight needles for working the main pieces and a 6mm (US 10) circular needle at least 100 cm long for working the front band and other sections requiring circular needle construction. Five wooden buttons measuring 2.2 cm complete the closure.

Garment Sizing and Fit

The cardigan is designed to fit a range of bust measurements from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm. The actual bust measurement of the finished garment varies by size, ranging from 84 cm for the smallest size to 166.5 cm for the largest, providing appropriate ease for comfortable wear. This sizing range makes the Ficus Cardigan accessible to knitters seeking garments for different body types and fit preferences.