Jody Long JLE Juno Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jody Long JLE Juno Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Juno is a classic knitted cardigan designed as part of the Jody Long Cottontails Collection. This garment is specifically crafted for beginner knitters and features basic garment shaping with straightforward construction techniques. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from Small to XXXL, with bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). The finished garment features a full length measured from the neck shoulder point, ranging from 60-69 cm (23½-27¼ inches) depending on size, with consistent sleeve length of approximately 31-32 cm (12¼-12½ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

The Juno cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to create the complete garment. This approach is ideal for beginner knitters as it allows for easier stitch counting and row tracking compared to circular knitting methods.

The construction begins with a moss stitch ribbing at the lower edge, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the hem. The main body is then worked in stockinette stitch with deliberate shaping. Side seam decreases are worked symmetrically, with decreases positioned 6 stitches in from each edge using slip stitch and knit together techniques to create a tapered silhouette. The pattern uses clear notation with instructions given for the smallest size, with subsequent size adjustments provided in square brackets for easy reference.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: A textured reversible stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. In the Juno, moss stitch is worked over 11 rows at the lower edge of the back piece, creating a decorative and elastic ribbed border.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the main body of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This stitch produces the smooth, classic appearance characteristic of traditional cardigans.
• Slip Stitch Decrease (sl 1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping, created by slipping one stitch, knitting the next stitch, then passing the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used symmetrically with the slip stitch decrease to create balanced shaping on both sides of the garment.

Materials

The Juno cardigan is knitted using Jody Long Cottontails yarn in 75-gram balls. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 to 12 balls depending on the finished garment dimensions. The sample shown in the pattern is worked in the colorway Dream 012.

Two pairs of needles are required: 4 mm (US 6) needles for the initial moss stitch ribbing at the lower edge, and 5 mm (US 8) needles for the main stockinette stitch body. The pattern calls for 3 buttons for the cardigan closure. Tension is critical to the success of this project and should be checked before beginning; the pattern specifies 18 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the 5 mm needles.

Pattern Notes for Beginners

This pattern is specifically designed for beginner knitters and emphasizes fundamental skills. The straightforward construction with basic shaping makes it an excellent introduction to garment knitting. Knitters should pay particular attention to tension gauge before beginning, as this directly impacts the finished size and fit of the cardigan. The pattern uses standard abbreviations and clear formatting, with yarn quantities noted as approximate based on average requirements.