Knitted Bejeweled Cardigan - Sizes to X in Lion Brand Homespun A

Knitted Bejeweled Cardigan in Lion Brand Homespun

What Is Being Made

This is a classic knitted cardigan featuring a bejeweled design, crafted in Lion Brand Homespun yarn. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from Small through 3X, with finished chest measurements from 40 inches to 60 inches. The finished length varies by size from 24 to 26 inches, making this a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions. The design includes practical pockets on each front and button closures down the center front.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for knitters of all skill levels, as indicated by the EASY difficulty rating. The garment is built in separate pieces—back, two fronts, and two sleeves—which are then assembled together. The construction begins with casting on stitches and working in stockinette stitch, the foundational knit fabric that creates a smooth, classic appearance.

Shaping techniques are employed throughout the pattern to create a fitted silhouette. The armholes are shaped by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows and then decreasing stitches at regular intervals to form the proper sleeve cap depth. The sleeves feature increases worked at the beginning and end of rows at specified intervals—every 5th or 4th row depending on size—to gradually widen the sleeve from the cuff to the cap, creating a properly proportioned sleeve that fits smoothly into the armhole.

The fronts include buttonhole shaping worked at the inside edge at regular intervals of 2 to 2.5 inches, with the exact frequency varying by size. This creates evenly spaced button placements for a professional finish. The pattern specifies working buttonholes 7 to 9 times depending on the size selected.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – The primary stitch throughout the cardigan, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth knit fabric
• Single crochet (sc) – Used in the finishing process to work along the top edges of the pockets, providing a neat, finished edge
• Whip stitch – An invisible seaming technique used to attach the pockets securely to the front pieces

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The cardigan is designed to be worked in Lion Brand Homespun yarn, a textured, bulky-weight yarn that creates a warm, substantial fabric. The yardage requirement ranges from 4 skeins for the smallest size (S) to 6 skeins for the larger sizes (1X, 2X, and 3X). The pattern shows the finished cardigan in color #339 Creole, though crafters are encouraged to select any color of their choice from the Lion Brand Homespun line.

The pattern specifies Size 10 (6 mm) knitting needles as the primary tool for constructing the cardigan pieces. Additionally, a Size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook is required for the finishing details, specifically for working single crochet along the pocket edges.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows equaling 4.25 inches over stockinette stitch when worked on the recommended needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements, and the pattern includes a reminder to check gauge before beginning the project.

Embellishment and Closures

The cardigan features 8 to 10 buttons depending on size, which are used to close the front opening. The pattern specifies 7/8-inch (22 mm) buttons, with the example showing JHB #31516 Austria Purple/Pewter buttons. These substantial buttons complement the textured appearance of the Homespun yarn and provide both functional and decorative elements to the finished garment.

Pocket Details

The cardigan includes two functional pockets, one on each front piece. Each pocket is created by casting on 16 to 20 stitches depending on size and working in stockinette stitch for 5 inches before binding off. The pockets