Garda Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Garda Cardigan in MODE at Rowan Mohair Soft

What is Being Made

The Garda is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Quail Studio. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157cm (60-62 inches) chest measurements, with actual garment chest measurements from 86cm to 166cm. The cardigan features a classic construction with shaped raglan armholes and a neckband finish, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Garda cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The garment utilizes raglan shaping at the armholes, which involves strategic decreases worked on both right-side and wrong-side rows to create the characteristic diagonal seam line from underarm to neckline. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging throughout, with the lower body and sleeves worked in knit-one, purl-one rib for elasticity and structure. Gauge tension is critical to this design, measured at 19 stitches and 20 rows over 10 centimeters in the ribbed pattern using 6mm needles in an unstretched state. The neckband is worked using circular needles, demonstrating the seamless finishing technique common in contemporary cardigan construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Garda cardigan is knit-one, purl-one ribbing (K1, P1 rib), which creates vertical columns of texture and provides natural stretch and recovery to the fabric. This rib pattern is maintained consistently across the back, fronts, and sleeves, creating visual continuity. Knit two together (K2tog) and knit two together through the back loop (K2tog tbl) decreases are used to shape the raglan armholes, with decreases worked on alternating rows to create smooth, symmetrical shaping. Purl two together through the back loop (P2tog tbl) decreases are also employed on wrong-side rows to maintain pattern consistency while reducing stitches.

Materials and Equipment

The Garda cardigan is knitted using Rowan Mohair Soft yarn, a luxurious fiber choice that creates a soft, lightweight fabric ideal for layering. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 7 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest sizes to 11 balls for the largest size. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Chocolate 10202, providing a neutral reference for color selection.

The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles in different sizes to create proper gauge differentiation: 5mm (UK size 6, US size 8) needles are used for the initial ribbed cuff sections, while 6mm (UK size 4, US size 10) needles are used for the main body fabric. Additionally, 6mm circular needles measuring 40 centimeters are required for working the neckband in the round. Essential notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, particularly at the armholes and neckline.

Pattern Structure

The Garda follows a traditional cardigan construction method. The back piece begins with a cast-on appropriate to the selected size, worked in knit-one, purl-one rib for 4 centimeters before transitioning to the larger needles and continuing in rib until the back measures between 39 and 43 centimeters, depending on size. Raglan armhole shaping then begins with a cast-off at the beginning of two consecutive rows, followed by paired decreases on alternating rows. The front pieces and sleeves follow similar shaping principles, with the neckband worked separately using circular needles to create a finished, professional edge.