Guban Cardigna Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Guban Cardigan in Rowan Creative Linen

Garment Overview

The Guban Cardigan is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This downloadable PDF pattern provides comprehensive instructions for creating a sophisticated linen cardigan available in nine size options, ranging from chest measurements of 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). The finished garment chest measurements span from 106.5 cm (42 inches) to 189 cm (74½ inches), accommodating a wide range of body types and fit preferences.

Materials Required

Yarn: Rowan Creative Linen (100gm balls). The pattern is photographed in Mustard 647, though the yarn weight and fiber content allow for versatile colorway substitutions.

Needles: The pattern requires both straight and circular needles in two sizes. You will need one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles, one pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles, and one 4mm (US 6) circular needle measuring at least 120 cm in length. The circular needle is essential for working the front band and other sections requiring increased stitch capacity.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is critical for this advanced project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over the stitch pattern using 4½mm (US 7) needles. Knitters should work a tension swatch before beginning the cardigan to ensure proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Guban Cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suited to advanced crafters:

• Garter Stitch (g st): Used for the initial 6 cm of the garment pieces, garter stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric that serves as a stable foundation and edge treatment.
• Patterned Knitting: The main body of the cardigan is worked from a chart pattern. The pattern note emphasizes careful attention to maintaining pattern integrity during shaping, specifically ensuring that decreases are matched by corresponding increases. When insufficient stitches remain to complete both a decrease and increase within the pattern repeat, the pattern instructions direct knitters to work end stitches in stockinette stitch instead.
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): Used for edge stitches when the full pattern cannot be maintained during shaping, stockinette stitch provides a clean, refined finish.
• Shaping Techniques: The cardigan incorporates multiple shaping methods including cast-off shaping for armholes and shoulders, and decreasing at armhole edges over multiple alternating rows to create a fitted silhouette.

Garment Construction

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces that are subsequently joined. The pattern includes detailed instructions for the back, left front, and right front sections, with mirror-image shaping on the front pieces. Key construction elements include:

• Armhole Shaping: Armholes are shaped by casting off 3 stitches at the beginning of a row, followed by decreasing 1 stitch at the armhole edge over 7 alternating rows, creating a gradual, professional-looking armhole curve.
• Shoulder Shaping: Shoulders are shaped through multiple cast-off rows worked at alternating intervals, allowing for a smooth transition from the body to the neckline.
• Front Band: The pattern includes a front band section, with center front stitches held on a stitch holder during construction for later finishing. The circular needle is used to pick up and work these stitches, creating a neat, professional button band.

Skill Level Considerations

Classified as an advanced knitting project, the Guban Cardigan requires proficiency in reading and working from stitch charts, managing multiple simultaneous shaping techniques, and maintaining pattern continuity while decreasing or increasing stitches. Knitters should be comfortable with techniques such as stitch holders, cast-off shaping, and the coordination of pattern repeats with garment shaping. The emphasis on matching decreases with increases within the pattern demonstrates the complexity expected at this skill level.