Fig Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Fig Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK

What is Being Made

The Fig Cardigan is a button-front cardigan designed by Quails Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from bust measurements of 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic, versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked over 28 rows to create a neat, elastic finish at the lower edge. The garment uses stocking stitch patterning as the primary fabric structure, combined with shaping techniques including strategic decreases at the front slope to create the cardigan's characteristic curved neckline. The pattern requires working separate front and back pieces, with careful attention to pattern continuity across rows. Buttonbands are incorporated into the design, with four buttons specified for closure.

Stitches Used

The Fig Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches throughout its construction. Knit stitches (K) and purl stitches (P) form the foundation of the design. The ribbing pattern alternates between K2 and P2 (knit two, purl two) sequences, creating the classic 2x2 rib texture that provides elasticity and definition. This ribbed pattern transitions into the main fabric, which maintains the K2, P2 repeat structure as the primary stitch pattern across the body of the cardigan. Decreases are worked strategically to shape the front slope and armholes, while cast-on and cast-off techniques are used to begin and finish the piece.

Materials and Tools

The Fig Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn available in multiple colorways (the pattern is photographed in Simply Black 216). Yarn requirements range from 10 to 14 balls of 50-gram weight depending on the chosen size. The project requires 3½mm (US 4) needles for the ribbed sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric, with both straight and circular needle options available. A 3½mm (US 4) circular needle at least 80 cm long is needed for the neckband, and optionally a 4mm (US 6) circular needle of the same length may be used. The pattern calls for four buttons for fastening. Working tension is established at 24 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the stitch pattern using 4mm needles.