Kitcat Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Kitcat Cardigan in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino

What is Being Made

The Kitcat Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) bust to 152–157 cm (60–62 in) bust, making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The finished cardigan features an actual bust measurement of 130.5 cm to 210.5 cm (51½ in to 82¾ in), depending on the selected size.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Stitch Patterns: The Kitcat Cardigan employs a combination of stitch techniques to create visual interest and texture. The primary stitch used throughout much of the garment is double moss stitch, which creates a dense, textured fabric. The design also incorporates stockinette stitch (st st) for sections such as the pocket linings, and features decorative cable panels as a focal point.

Cable Work: The cardigan includes cable panel construction, with specific cable abbreviations such as C7B (slip next 4 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, knit 3, slip centre stitch twice). These cables are worked using a cable needle and add structural and decorative elements to the front sections of the garment.

Shaping Techniques: The pattern employs standard shaping methods including cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows for armhole and neck shaping. Decreases are worked using yarn overs combined with slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (yon, sl 1, K1, psso) techniques to create decorative decreases. The back neck shaping is accomplished by casting off centre stitches and working each side of the neck separately with decreases at the neck edge over multiple rows.

Pocket Construction: The cardigan features two pocket linings that are worked separately. Each pocket lining is cast on using 35 stitches, worked in stockinette stitch for 39 rows, then increased using make 1 (M1) increases to expand from 35 stitches to 51 stitches before being placed on a holder for later integration into the garment.

Stitches Used

• Double moss stitch (primary fabric stitch)
• Stockinette stitch (st st) for pocket linings
• Cable stitches including C7B
• Yarn over (yon) for decorative decreases
• Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso)
• Make 1 (M1) increases
• Knit through back loop (K1 tbl)
• Cast-on and cast-off techniques

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Kitcat Cardigan is worked using Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino, a luxury yarn available in 50-gram balls. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Silver 106. This yarn blend combines the softness of merino wool with the luxurious feel of cashmere, making it ideal for a garment worn close to the body.

Needles: The pattern requires two sizes of needles: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections, and 3½mm (US 4) needles for the main fabric. A cable needle is also required for working the cable panels throughout the design.

Tension and Gauge

The tension for this project is 25 stitches and 35 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over double moss stitch using 3½mm (US 4) needles. The cable panel, which measures 14.5 cm (5¾ inches) in width, should be used as a reference point to verify proper gauge before beginning the full garment.