Noro Open Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Open Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Noro Open Cardigan is a classic open-front cardigan jacket designed in five sizes ranging from Small to XX-Large. This garment features a finished bust measurement of 39 to 49 inches (99 to 124.5 centimeters) and a length of 33 to 35 inches (83.5 to 89 centimeters), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types. The cardigan is constructed with an upper arm circumference of 15½ to 18½ inches (39.5 to 47 centimeters), providing comfortable fit through the sleeve area.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles or circular needles used in flat knitting mode, rather than in the round. The individual pieces are then seamed together using traditional seaming techniques to create the finished garment, which allows for precise shaping and professional finishing at the seams.

Stitch Techniques and Decreases/Increases

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques including decreases (such as knit 2 together and purl 2 together) to shape the garment and reduce stitch counts where needed, and increases (such as knit in front and back of stitch) to add stitches for shaping. Additional increase methods include make one techniques, where a new stitch is created by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting or purling into the back loop. The pattern utilizes slip, slip, knit and slip, slip, purl decreases for refined stitch decreases. Selvage stitches are incorporated at edges to facilitate easier seaming of the finished pieces.

Striped Design

The Noro Open Cardigan features horizontal stripes created through the use of multiple coordinating yarn colors. The striped pattern adds visual interest and dimension to the finished cardigan while showcasing the beautiful color variations available in the Noro yarn lines used for this project.

Materials and Yarn

This cardigan is knitted using premium Japanese yarns from the Noro brand. The pattern calls for Noro Bachi yarn in two colorways: color #03 (requiring 2 to 3 balls of 200 grams each, depending on size) and color #01 (also requiring 2 to 3 balls of 200 grams each). Additionally, Noro Kanzashi yarn in color #03 is used, with 2 to 3 balls of 150 grams each needed depending on the selected size. These high-quality yarns provide beautiful color gradations and interesting texture throughout the finished garment.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires one US 10½/6.5mm circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 centimeters) in length. While circular needles are specified, they are used for flat knitting rather than working in the round, allowing the crafter to work back and forth across the rows. Stitch markers are recommended for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it accessible to knitters with basic to intermediate experience. The straightforward construction method, combined with fundamental stitch techniques, allows newer knitters to successfully complete a polished, wearable garment.