Jody Long Olivia Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jody Long Olivia Cardigan - Summer Delight Collection

What is Being Made

The Jody Long Olivia is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed for experienced knitters. This garment features sophisticated stitch patterns and shaping techniques, making it suitable for those with substantial knitting experience. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from Small to XXXL, with bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches), and a full length from neck shoulder point of approximately 108-117 cm (42½-46 inches). The design includes a skirt section at the lower body, contributing to a distinctive silhouette.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs multiple advanced knitting techniques that distinguish it as a project for experienced crafters:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is worked from the bottom upward, beginning with the back skirt section and progressing toward the neckline.
• Worked Flat: The cardigan is constructed using flat knitting on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming to join pieces together.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• Cable Techniques: Advanced cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design, including C4F (cable 4 front), Cr3L (cross 3 left), and Cr3R (cross 3 right) abbreviations that create dimensional, twisted stitch patterns.
• Lace Work: Delicate lace patterning is integrated into the design, adding visual interest and texture variation.
• Garment Shaping: The pattern includes advanced shaping techniques to achieve proper fit across multiple sizes.

Stitches Used

The Olivia cardigan utilizes a range of knitting stitches to create its sophisticated appearance:

• Garter Stitch: Used for the initial 4 cm (1½ inches) of the back skirt section, providing a textured foundation.
• Diamond Pattern: A primary stitch pattern throughout the garment, worked over 20 stitches with a tension of 20 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm (4 inches).
• Cable Stitches: C4F, Cr3L, and Cr3R crosses create raised, twisted textures characteristic of cable knit design.
• Increase Stitches: M1 (make one) increases are used for shaping, created by picking up the loop lying between needles and working into the back of this loop.
• Lace Stitches: Openwork patterns add delicate detailing to the design.

Materials and Tools

The Olivia cardigan requires specific needles and yarn to achieve the correct gauge and finished appearance:

• Yarn: Jody Long Summer Delight yarn in 100g balls. The pattern requires 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 balls depending on size selected (shown in Taupe 020). Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements.
• Needles: 3.25 mm (US 3) straight needles, 3.75 mm (US 5) straight needles, 3.25 mm (US 3) circular needle, and one cable needle for executing cable techniques.
• Notions: Two buttons for cardigan closure.

Pattern Format and Notes

This is a downloadable PDF pattern document. Instructions are provided for the smallest size (Small) with modifications for larger sizes indicated in square brackets. Figures in round brackets indicate repetitions. Where a figure of 0 appears, that particular stitch, time, or row is not worked for that specific size. The pattern is designed for advanced knitters and incorporates advanced stitch patterns and garment shaping techniques that require substantial knitting experience and skill to execute successfully.