Noro Shawl Collar Jacket Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Shawl Collar Jacket

What is Being Made

This is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan jacket featuring a distinctive shawl collar. The garment is designed in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X-Large, with finished bust measurements from 34 to 54 inches (86.5 to 137 centimeters) and lengths from 25 to 28.5 inches (63.5 to 72 centimeters). The jacket is constructed with button closures, using six 1-inch (25-millimeter) buttons.

Construction Techniques

The Noro Shawl Collar Jacket is worked using a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the pieces are knitted individually from the lower edges upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier shaping and seaming. This method provides excellent control over fit and garment structure.

The jacket begins with a ribbed cuff worked in knit-purl ribbing (k1, p1) for 7.5 inches (19 centimeters), which creates an elastic edge that hugs the body. A garter stitch ridge is incorporated to provide structural definition between the ribbed section and the main body. Side shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked every sixth row, creating a fitted silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the main body of the jacket, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Knit-Purl Ribbing (k1, p1): Used for the cuff and elastic sections to provide stretch and recovery
• Garter Stitch: Incorporated as a ridge detail between the ribbed cuff and stockinette body
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping, worked by slipping two stitches knitwise individually, then knitting them together through their front loops
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used symmetrically with ssk for balanced side shaping
• Yarn Over (yo): Used to create new stitches and decorative increases
• Slip Stitch: Passed from left needle to right needle without working, used for edge management
• Purlwise Insertion: Stitches worked as if to purl for specific shaping and edge techniques
• Selvage Stitch: Edge stitches incorporated to facilitate easier seaming of finished pieces

Materials and Gauge

The Noro Shawl Collar Jacket is made using Noro Tsuido yarn in colorway #08. The yardage requirement is 4 to 6 cakes of 200 grams each, depending on the size being knitted, providing ample yardage for the complete garment.

The project requires two sizes of needles: US 9/5.5mm needles for the ribbed cuff sections and a US 10/6mm needle for the main body stockinette stitch. A 32-inch (80-centimeter) US 9/5.5mm circular needle is also needed, likely for working the shawl collar and finishing edges. The gauge is 15 stitches and 22.5 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch using the larger needles, making accurate gauge swatching essential for proper fit.

Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and the six 1-inch (25-millimeter) buttons for the front closure.