Jessamyn Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jessamyn Cardigan in Berroco Ginkgo

What is Being Made

The Jessamyn Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Donna Yacino. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with a finished bust measurement of 32(36-40-44-48-52-56-60)" and length of 23¾(24¼-25-25-25½-25½-26¼-26¾)". The cardigan is designed with approximately 2–4" of ease for comfortable wearing. The pattern is available in eight sizes to accommodate a wide range of fit preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Jessamyn Cardigan employs a unique sideways construction method. The body of the garment is worked in one piece, beginning at the left front edge and ending at the right front edge. Stitches are bound off and then cast on to create the armholes. The lower band is picked up from the cast-on stitches of the left side and worked downward. Sleeves are picked up around the armhole openings. This sideways construction approach allows for interesting shaping and a distinctive garment structure.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Jessamyn Cardigan features two versions of the same pattern stitch to accommodate different sections of the garment:

• Pattern Stitch Flat (used for flat sections): This stitch pattern has a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3. Row 1 on the wrong side consists of knitting 3 stitches, then repeating a sequence of slipping 1 stitch with yarn in front and knitting 3 stitches across. Row 2 on the right side begins with knitting 1 stitch, then repeating the slip 1 with yarn in front and knit 3 sequence to the last 2 stitches, ending with slip 1 with yarn in front and knit 1. These two rows are repeated to create the pattern stitch for flat sections.
• Pattern Stitch in the Round (used for circular sections): This version works with a multiple of 4 stitches. Round 1 consists of purling 1 stitch, then repeating a sequence of slipping 1 stitch with yarn in back and purling 3 stitches around, ending with slip 1 with yarn in back and purl 2. Round 2 repeats knitting 3 stitches and slipping 1 stitch with yarn in front around the entire round. These two rounds are repeated for the pattern stitch when working in the round.

The slip stitch elements in both versions of this pattern create subtle texture and visual interest while maintaining a relatively straightforward knitting rhythm suitable for intermediate-level crafters.

Materials and Tools

The Jessamyn Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Ginkgo yarn in the colorway #9670 Pewter. The pattern requires 10(11-12-14-15-16-17-18) balls of yarn, with each ball weighing 50 grams. This yarn choice provides a specific drape and stitch definition ideal for showcasing the pattern stitch details.

The required needles include a 36" length circular knitting needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) for the main body work, or a size that will help you obtain the correct gauge. Additionally, one set of four double-pointed knitting needles (dpns) in size 8 (5.00 mm) is needed for working the sleeves in the round. A stitch marker is also required to track pattern repeats and round beginnings.

Gauge Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches when working in the pattern stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements and fits properly. The pattern includes the reminder that taking time to check gauge will save time during the knitting process.