Heartleaf Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Heartleaf Cardigan in Berroco Vintage Sock

What is Being Made

The Heartleaf Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Alison Green. This garment features a constructed yoke and set-in sleeves, available in ten different sizes ranging from extra-small (30½" bust) to extra-large (64¾" bust). The cardigan is designed to be worn with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. The finished length ranges from 16¼ inches in the smallest sizes to 19½ inches in the largest sizes, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate-level construction techniques. The pattern utilizes top-down yoke construction, a method that allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and adjust fit easily. The sleeves are set-in rather than raglan or drop-shoulder style, providing a more tailored silhouette. The pattern incorporates 3-needle bind off for finishing, a technique that joins two sets of live stitches together while binding them off simultaneously. Knitters will work with circular needles in the round for much of the construction, switching between needle sizes as indicated by the gauge requirements. Stitch markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and shaping increases, while waste yarn is employed to hold stitches temporarily during construction.

Stitches Used

The Heartleaf Cardigan features two primary stitch patterns. The main fabric is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. Additionally, the pattern includes a Pattern Stitch that is worked on the larger needles. The specific motif of the Pattern Stitch—likely incorporating the "heartleaf" design referenced in the cardigan's name—is detailed within the full pattern instructions. Both stitch patterns are measured at specific gauges to ensure proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Heartleaf Cardigan is knitted using two yarns held together throughout the project. The primary yarn is Berroco Vintage Sock, a 100-gram skein available in color #12104 Mushroom. Knitters will need 3 to 4 balls of Vintage Sock depending on size, with smaller sizes requiring 3 balls and larger sizes requiring 4 balls. The second yarn, held simultaneously, is Berroco Aerial, a 25-gram skein in color #3495 Shadow. Between 4 and 6 balls of Aerial are required based on the chosen size.

Needles required include 32-inch circular needles in both size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 7 (4.5 mm), allowing knitters to switch between needle sizes as the pattern dictates. A spare size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needle is needed for the 3-needle bind off finishing technique. Additional notions include waste yarn for holding stitches, four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and four removable markers for marking specific points in the construction.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this intermediate project. When working stockinette stitch on the larger needles, the gauge should measure 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). When working the Pattern Stitch on the larger needles, the gauge should measure 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). The pattern specifies that gauge is measured after blocking, making blocking an integral part of the finishing process to achieve accurate finished measurements and proper garment drape.