Fiona Ellis Chesterfield Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Fiona Ellis Chesterfield Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Fiona Ellis Chesterfield Cardigan is a V-neck cardigan featuring sophisticated cabled detailing on the upper back and elbows. This design combines classic tailoring with intricate cable work, creating an elegant layering piece with functional button closure. The cardigan is available in six sizes, ranging from a 31½" bust to a 50½" bust, making it suitable for various body types and fit preferences.

Knitting Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward to the shoulders. The pieces are worked flat on straight or circular needles, creating individual sections that are later seamed together to form the finished garment. This construction method allows for precise shaping and makes it easier to try on the cardigan as you progress through the pattern.

Cable and Stitch Details

The Chesterfield Cardigan showcases multiple cable techniques that create visual interest and texture:

• Cabled motif on upper back and elbows: These strategic placements add structure and a tailored appearance to the cardigan
• Twisted rope cables: Created using techniques like T4B (twist 4 back) and T4F (twist 4 front), which combine knit and purl stitches on a cable needle to produce a twisted effect
• X and O cables: These decorative cable patterns add visual complexity and sophistication to the design
• Cable panel columns: The cable panel measures 4¼" wide (11 cm) across 28 stitches, providing a defined focal point for the cabled details

The pattern utilizes standard cable abbreviations including C4B (cable 4 back), C4F (cable 4 front), and various twisted cable crosses. Shaping is accomplished through increases (RLI and LLI) and decreases (ssk and K2tog), allowing the cardigan to fit smoothly across the body.

Materials and Gauge

The Chesterfield Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Mrs Crosby Steamer Trunk 100% Superwash Merino Wool, a premium yarn that offers durability and easy care. The yarn is supplied at 164 yards per 150 meters per 100 grams (3½ oz) skein. Depending on the finished size, you will need between 8 to 13 skeins of yarn.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. This gauge is achieved using US Size 8 (5 mm) needles. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge, as this ensures the finished measurements will be accurate. Additional supplies include a 60 cm circular needle in US Size 8 for working the button bands and a cable needle for managing cable stitches. The cardigan is finished with seven 1-inch (2.5 cm) buttons for closure.

Finished Measurements

The cardigan is offered in six sizes with the following finished bust measurements: 31½", 34", 37½", 42", 46½", and 50½" (80, 86.5, 95, 107, 118, and 128 cm). Length to shoulder ranges from 24" to 28" (61 to 71 cm) depending on the size selected. These generous finished measurements accommodate layering and provide a comfortable, classic fit.