Noro Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Cardigan from Mini Knits 4

What is Being Made

This is a classic cardigan designed by Jenny Watson, featured as Design 11 from the Mini Knits 4 collection. The cardigan is tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 81cm to 127cm (32 to 50 inches), with five size options available. The finished garment features a full length of approximately 55 to 64cm (21¾ to 25¼ inches) and sleeve length of 46 to 48cm (18 to 19 inches), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for straightforward shaping and the ability to try on the garment as it progresses.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is traditional for cardigan construction and makes it easier to manage shaping and seaming.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing.
• Lace Details: Lace patterning is incorporated into the design, adding delicate texture and visual sophistication to the finished cardigan.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined to create texture and structure:

• 1x1 Rib: Used for the cuff and waistband sections, this alternating knit and purl stitch (K1, P1 repeat) creates an elastic, fitted edge that helps the cardigan maintain its shape. The ribbing is worked for 6cm (2½ inches) using the smaller 3.25mm needles before transitioning to the main body.
• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The primary stitch for the cardigan body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This produces a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the front and a bumpy texture on the back.
• Lace Stitch Patterns: Decorative lace elements are created using yarn round needle (yrn) increases and strategic decreases to form openwork designs throughout the garment.
• Make One (M1): An increase technique used to add stitches within rows for shaping the cardigan's silhouette.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the correct drape and finished appearance:

• Yarn: 8 to 12 balls of Noro Shiro in Shade 9, depending on size selected. Each ball weighs 50g, providing approximately 400 to 600 grams of yarn total for the complete cardigan.
• Needles: Two pairs of knitting needles are required—3.25mm (US size 3) needles for ribbed sections and 4mm (US size 6) needles for the main body and lace pattern work. The needle size change creates the necessary gauge differential between the fitted ribbing and the more relaxed body fabric.
• Notions: Stitch holders are needed to temporarily hold stitches during construction, and one button is required for the cardigan closure.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch and 18 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the lace pattern, both measured using 4mm (US6) needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their tension matches these specifications, as variations will affect the final garment measurements.

Construction Details

The left front panel begins with casting on 51 to 69 stitches (depending on size) and working 1x1 ribbing for 6cm before transitioning to 4mm needles. The first 9 stitches of the ribbing are reserved on a stitch holder for the button band. The remaining stitches are decreased by one stitch in the center row for certain sizes, resulting in 41 to 59 stitches