Leora Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Leora Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Leora Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for intermediate knitters. This garment is constructed as a button-front cardigan with set-in sleeves and a crew neckline. The pattern provides nine size options, accommodating bust measurements from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a classic silhouette with shaped shoulder seams and a finished neckline.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques:

• Ribbed Edging: The cardigan begins with a ribbed pattern at the lower edge, worked over 45 rows to create a fitted, elastic finish that helps the garment maintain its shape.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body is worked in smooth stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), creating a classic, refined appearance.
• Decreasing for Shaping: Strategic decreases are used throughout the pattern to create the fitted silhouette, including paired decreases (2 stitches decreased together) worked at regular intervals to shape the waist and armholes.
• Set-in Sleeves: The armholes are shaped by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows, then working both front and back pieces separately to create the characteristic set-in sleeve cap.
• Neck Shaping: The neckline is shaped by decreasing one stitch at the neck edge over three consecutive rows, with additional stitches bound off at the beginning of rows to create a smooth, finished crew neck.
• Separate Piece Construction: The front pieces are worked separately from the back, allowing for individual shaping of the left and right front sections.

Stitches Used

The Leora Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate project:

• Knit Stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch sections.
• Purl Stitch (P): Used on wrong-side rows to create the smooth stockinette texture.
• Ribbing (K2, P2): A two-by-two rib pattern creates the elastic edging at the lower edge of the cardigan.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): Used for right-leaning decreases that shape the waist and other fitted areas.
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): Used for left-leaning decreases worked on wrong-side rows.
• Bind Off: Applied at armholes and neckline to finish edges and create structured shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Leora Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Kid Classic, a soft yarn available in multiple colorways. The pattern specifies yarn quantities for each size option, with individual balls weighing 50 grams. Color options include:

• Pumice (888): A neutral light shade suitable as a primary color.
• Smoke (831): A medium-toned option for the ribbed edging.
• Tattoo (856): An accent color option.
• Navy (917): A classic dark option for alternative colorway versions.
• Arctic (921): A cool-toned alternative shade.

The pattern requires two sizes of needles: UK size 4 and UK size 5 needles (or metric equivalents). Additionally, a circular needle at least 120 cm long is needed, likely for picking up stitches around the neckline or for working certain sections in the round. The gauge (tension) is specified as 19 stitches and 25 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters when working in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Finishing Details

The cardigan is completed with five metal toggle buttons, each 2 centimeters in diameter, which provide both functional closure and decorative detail along the front opening. These substantial buttons add a refined, professional finish to the garment.