Fire Cardigan Waistcoat Knitting Pattern

Fire Cardigan in Rowan Creative Linen

What Is Being Made

The Fire Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted waistcoat designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–147 cm (60–62 in). This garment features a classic cardigan construction with front opening edges, armhole shaping, and shoulder seams, creating a tailored silhouette suitable for layering.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several fundamental shaping techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. Ribbed patterning forms the structural foundation throughout the garment, providing elasticity and definition. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked over multiple rows and alternating rows to create a smooth, fitted curve. Front slope shaping involves simultaneous decreases at the front opening edge and shoulder shaping, requiring the knitter to manage multiple decreasing sequences at once. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through cast-offs worked at regular intervals, creating a structured shoulder line. The pattern uses stitch markers to denote key reference points, such as the start of the front slope, helping the knitter track shaping progression across the garment.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch creating the fabric structure
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to form the rib pattern
• Rib pattern: A repeating sequence of knit and purl stitches (P2, K2 or variations thereof depending on size) that creates vertical columns of texture and provides fabric elasticity
• Cast-on: Used to establish stitches at the beginning of the left front and back sections
• Cast-off: Applied to bind off stitches during armhole and shoulder shaping
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at armhole edges and front slope edges to shape the garment

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Fire Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Creative Linen, a 100-gram ball weight yarn. The pattern specifies 3 to 4 balls of yarn depending on the finished size. The garment is photographed in two colorways: Cloud (shade 620) and Natural (shade 621), showcasing the linen fiber's characteristic drape and texture.

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes. 4½mm (US 7) needles are used for the main fabric and are specified as a single pair for working flat. A 4mm (US 6) circular needle measuring at least 100 cm long is also listed in the extras, likely for finishing techniques such as picking up stitches for neckline or edging work. The tension is measured at 23 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over the rib pattern using the 4½mm needles, establishing the gauge required for proper fit across all nine size options.

Construction Overview

The Fire Cardigan is constructed in separate pieces, with detailed instructions provided for the left front section. The left front begins with a cast-on of 54 to 104 stitches (depending on size) using 4½mm needles, worked in rib pattern for approximately 53 cm before armhole shaping begins. The armhole is shaped through a combination of cast-offs and decreases, followed by front slope shaping that occurs simultaneously with shoulder shaping. The pattern includes a back section (referenced but not fully detailed in the provided excerpt) and uses stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction. This modular approach allows the knitter to complete each section before seaming and finishing the garment.