Juniper Moon Farm Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Juniper Moon Farm Olive Jacket - Knitted Cardigan Pattern

Project Overview

The Olive Jacket is a knitted cardigan designed by Ursula O'Connor as part of the Tropical Summer Collection by Juniper Moon Farm. This garment is worked flat on straight needles and seamed together, making it an accessible project for knitters comfortable with basic shaping and finishing techniques. The jacket features a sophisticated color-blocked striped design combined with cable detailing, creating visual interest across the front and back panels.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

Available in four sizes ranging from Small to X-Large, the Olive Jacket is designed to fit bust measurements from 32-34 inches up to 38-40 inches. The finished width at the underarm ranges from 38 to 44 inches depending on size, with a length of 22 to 25 inches and sleeve length of 17 to 18½ inches. These proportions create a relaxed, comfortable fit suitable for layering during warmer months.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Zooey yarn in three coordinating colorways. The main color is 02 Toasted Coconut (color A), which comprises the bulk of the garment at 3 to 5 balls of 100g each depending on size. Two accent colors provide striping and detail: 33 Stardust (color B) and 44 Amarula (color C), each requiring one 100g ball. The pattern uses two sizes of needles: US 3/3.25mm needles for ribbing and finishing, and US 5/3.75mm needles for the main fabric. Seven buttons are required to complete the front closure.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over a 4-inch (10cm) square using US 5/3.75mm needles in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and garment fit.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Olive Jacket employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add texture and visual appeal to the design:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the jacket, creating a smooth, classic fabric surface.
• Cable Stitches: The pattern features cable knitting, including C4F (cable 4 front), C4B (cable 4 back), and C6F (cable 6 front) abbreviations. These techniques involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, and then working the stitches in a specific order to create twisted rope-like textures.
• Striped Colorwork: Horizontal stripes are created by working rows in the three different yarn colors (A, B, and C) in sequence, adding visual dimension without the complexity of fair isle or intarsia techniques.
• Increases and Decreases: The pattern uses M1K (make 1 stitch knitwise) and M1P (make 1 stitch purlwise) for invisible increases, as well as K2tog (knit two together) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1 psso) for decreases. These shaping techniques are worked into the stitch pattern to maintain design continuity.

Construction Method

The Olive Jacket is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the front, back, and sleeves are knitted as separate flat pieces rather than in the round. This approach allows for easier pattern manipulation and shaping. After all pieces are completed, they are seamed together using mattress stitch or a similar seaming technique to create the finished garment. The button bands are worked separately and attached, with seven buttons spaced evenly down the front opening.

Pattern Features

The back panel begins with a cast-on of 105 to 123 stitches depending on size. The pattern starts with two rows each of colors A, B, A, and C to establish the striped color sequence. Shaping is introduced on row 9 with a combination of decreases and increases that create a textured pattern repeat. The integration of cable stitches with the striped color changes and strategic shaping creates a sophisticated garment with movement and drape suitable for warm-weather wear.