Harebell Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Harebell Cardigan in Berroco Tuscan Tweed

What Is Being Made

The Harebell Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in six sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 35 inches to 54 inches and lengths between 25¾ and 27¾ inches. The cardigan is designed with minimal ease (approximately 0–4 inches), making it a close-fitting style that requires careful size selection based on desired fit.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Harebell Cardigan is constructed using a top-down approach, a popular technique that allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length as needed. The yoke features raglan shaping, which creates diagonal decreases from the neckline that form the characteristic sloped shoulder line of a raglan cardigan. Once the yoke reaches the desired depth, the pattern divides the stitches for the body and sleeves. The body is worked in one continuous piece, while the sleeves are worked downward in the round using double-pointed needles. After the main pieces are complete, the front bands and neckband are picked up from existing stitches and worked separately, a technique that creates a polished, professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Harebell Cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture. The pattern incorporates two lifted increase techniques for shaping:

• Left Lifted Increase (LLI): Worked by inserting the left-hand needle into the purl bump one row below the stitch just worked on the right-hand needle and knitting into this stitch, creating one new stitch with a neat, nearly invisible appearance.
• Right Lifted Increase (RLI): Executed by inserting the right-hand needle into the purl bump behind the next stitch on the left-hand needle and knitting into this stitch, producing an increase that blends seamlessly into the fabric.

These lifted increases are preferred in fitted garments like the Harebell because they create minimal visual disruption compared to other increase methods, maintaining the clean lines of the cardigan's silhouette.

Yarn and Needle Requirements

The Harebell Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Berroco Tuscan Tweed, a yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The project requires 8 to 13 balls of Berroco Tuscan Tweed (50 grams per ball) in the colorway #9055 Cherries, depending on the size selected. The pattern calls for three sizes of circular knitting needles—sizes 6 (4.00 mm), 7 (4.50 mm), and 8 (5.00 mm)—allowing the knitter to adjust needle size to achieve proper gauge. Additionally, one set of four double-pointed needles in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm) is required for working the sleeves in the round. The pattern also requires stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, as well as waste yarn for temporarily holding sleeve stitches while the body is being completed.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving correct gauge is essential for the Harebell Cardigan to fit as designed. The pattern specifies two gauge measurements: 20 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked on the middle-sized needle (size 7), and 18 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches when worked on the largest-sized needle (size 8). The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as variations in individual knitter tension can significantly affect the finished measurements of the garment.