Juniper Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Juniper Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply & Kidsilk Haze

What is Being Made

The Juniper Cardigan is a knitted cardigan garment designed by Lisa Richardson. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted cardigan available in five size options to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The finished cardigan features an actual bust measurement of 115 cm, 123.5 cm, 134 cm, 144.5 cm, or 155 cm depending on size selection. The design incorporates decorative belt loops as functional design elements.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques. The cardigan begins with a garter stitch foundation worked over 4 rows, which provides a textured edge. The main body is constructed in stockinette stitch throughout the majority of the garment. A key technique feature is the stripe sequence created by alternating yarn color combinations, with the pattern specifying a particular sequence that repeats across 48 to 54 rows depending on size. The belt loop construction involves slip stitches to place stitches on holders, followed by separate shaping worked on a smaller needle size. The pattern also incorporates casting on and casting off techniques integrated into the body shaping for the belt loop placement.

Stitches Used

The Juniper Cardigan utilizes a limited but effective stitch vocabulary appropriate for an intermediate knitter:

• Garter stitch (g st) – used for the initial 4-row edge
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – forms the primary fabric of the cardigan body
• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch used throughout
• Purl stitch (P) – incorporated into the belt loop shaping
• Slip stitch – used to transfer stitches to holders for the belt loop sections

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Juniper Cardigan is designed to be worked with Rowan yarns in two distinct weights held together for specific sections:

Yarn Specifications:

• Yarn A: Rowan Summerlite 4 ply in Pepper Pot (color 431) – 2 to 4 x 50g balls depending on size
• Yarn B: Rowan Summerlite 4 ply in Green Bay (color 445) – 4 to 6 x 50g balls depending on size
• Yarn C: Rowan Summerlite 4 ply in Seashell (color 437) – 2 to 4 x 50g balls depending on size
• Yarn D: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Drab (color 611) – 3 to 5 x 25g balls depending on size
• Yarn E: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Cream (color 634) – 4 to 6 x 25g balls depending on size

The pattern specifies that one strand each of yarns A and D are held together for the initial cast-on and garter stitch section, creating a blended yarn effect. The Summerlite 4 ply yarns provide structure and stitch definition, while the Kidsilk Haze adds a delicate, lustrous quality to the finished fabric.

Needle Requirements:

• 3mm (US 2/3) needles – one pair for initial cast-on and garter stitch rows
• 3¼mm (US 3) needles – one pair for the main stockinette stitch body
• 3mm (US 2/3) circular needle – at least 100 cm long (needle size is not specified in the provided content but is listed in the needle requirements)
• Set of 4 double-pointed 3¼mm (US 3) needles – for working the belt loops

The pattern notes that the belt loops are worked on the smaller