Leo Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Leo Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Berroco

Project Overview

The Leo Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Åsa Buchta, offering knitters a versatile button-front cardigan available in two length options. This downloadable PDF pattern provides comprehensive instructions for creating a classic, wearable garment suitable for various skill levels within the intermediate range.

Design Features and Length Options

The Leo Cardigan is offered in two distinct versions to suit different style preferences. The cropped version features a shorter silhouette with finished lengths ranging from 18¼ inches to 20½ inches depending on size, creating a contemporary, fitted look. The longer version extends the garment with finished lengths from 25¼ inches to 27½ inches, providing a more traditional cardigan proportion that offers greater coverage.

Size Range and Fit

The pattern accommodates a comprehensive size range with finished bust measurements spanning from 34¼ inches to 70¾ inches across ten different sizes. The pattern recommends approximately 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, allowing the cardigan to drape comfortably while maintaining a flattering silhouette. This generous sizing range makes the Leo Cardigan accessible to diverse body types and knitting preferences.

Yarn Requirements

The Leo Cardigan calls for Berroco Vintage Handpaint, a versatile yarn available in two colorways featured in this pattern. For the cropped version, knitters require between 4 and 7 hanks depending on size, using shade #5209 Charcoal Whisper. The longer version requires 5 to 9 hanks in #5211 Rustic Mahogany. Each hank weighs 100 grams, providing ample yardage for completing either cardigan version across all available sizes.

Needles and Tools

The pattern employs multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. Knitters will need circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm) in various lengths to accommodate different sections of the garment. Specifically, the pattern requires a 32-inch circular needle in both sizes for the main body, a 16-inch circular needle in size 7 for smaller circumferences, a 40-inch circular needle in size 5 for the buttonband, and one set of double-pointed needles in both sizes for working small circumferences. Additional notions include a cable needle, waste yarn for holding stitches, and removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping.

Gauge and Stitch Techniques

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, creating a smooth, classic knit surface. The inclusion of a cable needle in the notions suggests the pattern incorporates cable stitches, adding textural interest and visual dimension to the cardigan design.

Button Specifications

The Leo Cardigan features a button-front closure with specifications varying by length. The cropped version requires five 1-inch buttons, while the longer version uses seven 1-inch buttons, accommodating the extended length with proportional spacing. This button placement ensures both versions maintain balanced visual appeal and functional closure.

Construction Method

The pattern utilizes circular needle construction techniques, a hallmark of modern knitting design that allows for seamless or minimal-seam garment assembly. The use of multiple circular needle sizes and the inclusion of a separate buttonband worked on a 40-inch circular needle indicates the cardigan is constructed in pieces or uses a top-down or bottom-up approach with careful attention to finishing details.