June Cardigan Knitting Pattern

June Cardigan by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The June Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76 cm to 142-147 cm chest measurements (28-30 inches to 56-58 inches), with actual finished chest measurements between 58¾ and 91½ inches. The cardigan features a classic construction with separate front and back pieces, set-in sleeves, and includes functional patch pockets with integrated linings.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques:

• Cable work: The pattern utilizes cable stitches as a decorative and structural element throughout the garment
• Shaping and decreasing: Neck shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked over multiple rows, with stitches cast off at specific intervals to create a fitted neckline
• Pocket construction: Patch pockets are created with separate linings that are knitted independently and then integrated into the main garment pieces
• Ribbed edging: The cardigan features ribbed sections that provide elasticity and structure, particularly at cuffs and hems
• Two-sided garment assembly: Each side of the neck is worked separately to accommodate the cardigan's front opening, with careful attention to reversing shapings for symmetry

Stitches Used

The June Cardigan incorporates a variety of essential knitting stitches:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): Used as the primary fabric for pocket linings and base construction
• Ribbing: A combination of knit and purl stitches (K2, P2 pattern) creates the textured ribbed sections
• Cable stitches: Specialized abbreviations include C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front), created by slipping stitches onto a cable needle, working the next stitches, then working the held stitches. These cables add visual interest and texture
• Crossed stitches: Cr4L (cross 4 left) combines purl and knit stitches in a crossed formation for decorative detail
• Make one (M1P): A purl-side increase used in pocket lining construction to shape the top edge

Materials

The June Cardigan requires specific materials for successful construction:

• Yarn: Rowan Four Seasons (50-gram balls), with the photographed sample worked in the colorway Bluebell 007. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 38 to 68 balls depending on the finished chest measurement
• Needles: One pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles for main garment construction, plus a cable needle for working the cable stitches
• Gauge: The pattern is designed to be worked at a tension of 26½ stitches and 27 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the pattern using 4½mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all nine sizes

Construction Details

The June Cardigan is constructed using a traditional flat knitting method. The left front begins with casting on between 83 and 127 stitches depending on size, and the ribbed edging is worked for 7 centimeters before transitioning to the main pattern. Pocket linings are prepared separately by casting on 26 to 30 stitches and working in stockinette stitch for 45 to 49 rows, then increasing at the top edge using make-one increases to create 38 to 42 stitches. The neck shaping involves decreasing one stitch at the neck edge over four consecutive rows while simultaneously casting off groups of stitches at the beginning of alternate rows, creating a structured and fitted neckline. Both sides of the neck are worked independently with shapings reversed for symmetry.