Long Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Long Cardigan in Noro Kanzashi

What Is Being Made

This is an intermediate-level knitted long cardigan designed for a relaxed, comfortable fit. The garment is sized to accommodate Small/Medium/Large and X-Large/XX-Large body types, with a finished back width of 32¾ inches (83 cm) for the smaller sizes and 35½ inches (90 cm) for the larger sizes. The cardigan features a generous length of 38 inches (96.5 cm), making it a substantial layering piece suitable for various seasons and styling occasions.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Noro Kanzashi yarn, a premium fiber choice known for its distinctive color blending and quality. The project requires 5 balls of Noro Kanzashi in colorway #01, with each ball weighing 150 grams, providing ample yardage for the complete cardigan. The yarn is worked on one US 10½/6.5mm circular needle measuring 32 inches long, which allows for seamless construction and easy stitch management across the wider garment width. A US K-10½/6.5mm crochet hook is also included in the materials list, likely for finishing details such as edging or button bands. Stitch markers are essential notions for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases throughout the project.

Gauge and Sizing Information

Achieving the correct gauge is critical for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies 11 stitches and 21 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) over stockinette stitch using the US 10½/6.5mm needles. This gauge measurement ensures that the finished cardigan will meet the intended dimensions and drape properly. The pattern includes detailed finished measurements for back width and length, allowing knitters to verify their progress and make any necessary adjustments before completing the garment.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate cardigan employs a range of fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic appearance ideal for showcasing the variegated color qualities of Noro Kanzashi yarn.

The pattern incorporates several shaping and construction techniques:

• Yarn overs are used to create new stitches, often employed in lace or decorative increases throughout the design
• Decreases including slip, slip, knit (SSK) and slip, slip, purl (SSP) techniques are utilized for shaping the cardigan's silhouette
• Purl stitches are worked as needed for textural variation or ribbed edgings
• Selvage stitches are incorporated at edges to facilitate easier seaming when joining pieces together
• Stitch markers are placed strategically to help track pattern repeats and identify key shaping points
• Pick up and knit techniques are employed to add stitches along finished edges, commonly used for creating button bands, necklines, or armhole edgings
• Slip stitches are used to pass stitches from one needle to another without working them, essential for certain decreases and edge treatments
• No stitch spaces appear on any included charts, indicating areas where stitches have been decreased or not yet created; knitters skip over these shaded spaces and work only the active stitches

The pattern instructions emphasize working even (continuing in pattern without increases or decreases) across sections, allowing for straightforward stockinette sections between shaping rows.

Construction Notes

The editor recommends using LYKKE needles and hooks for best results, indicating a preference for high-quality tools that provide smooth stitching and durability. The circular needle format allows for either flat or in-the-round construction depending on the specific pattern design. The inclusion of a crochet hook suggests finishing techniques such as single crochet edging or slip stitch seaming may be incorporated into the final assembly.