Noro Mitered Jacket Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Mitered Jacket

What is Being Made

The Noro Mitered Jacket is a seamed cardigan featuring a sophisticated mitered square construction technique. This complex knitting project is sized for Small/Medium, Large, X-Large, and 2X-Large, with finished bust measurements of 40 (44, 48, 52) inches and a length of 21 (23, 25, 27) inches. The upper arm circumference ranges from 19 (23) inches depending on size. The garment showcases the characteristic colorwork and striping of Noro yarn, creating visual interest throughout the piece.

Techniques Used

This jacket employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its complex construction:

• Mitered Square Construction: The primary structural technique uses mitered squares, which are created by working decreases at a central marker point. This creates diagonal lines and geometric patterns that are both visually striking and structurally sound.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The jacket is worked from the bottom upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a more intuitive building process.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are worked flat and then seamed together, requiring careful attention to selvage stitches for clean, professional seams.
• Stripe Patterning: The natural color variations in Noro Ito yarn create striped effects throughout the garment without requiring complex color work techniques.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are constructed on straight needles rather than in the round, making this project accessible to knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• I-Cord Application: The pattern includes I-cord elements, which are small tubular knitted cords created using double-pointed needles, typically used for edging or decorative details.

Stitches Used

The Noro Mitered Jacket utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways to achieve the mitered effect:

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the garment, created by knitting every row. This stitch is worked to a gauge of 15 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches using size US 8/5mm needles.
• Slip Stitch (Selvage): The first stitch of each row is slipped knitwise or purlwise to create clean, finished edges that facilitate easier seaming.
• Decrease Stitches: Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) decreases are worked symmetrically around a central stitch marker to create the mitered effect. These paired decreases on either side of the marker form the characteristic diagonal lines of mitered squares.
• Yarn Over: Used to create new stitches and add texture or lace elements where specified in the pattern.
• Purl Stitches: Incorporated strategically, particularly around the mitered markers and in specific rows to create textural variation and definition.

Materials

The Noro Mitered Jacket requires specific materials to achieve the intended finished garment:

• Yarn: 3 (4, 4, 5) x 200g cakes of Noro Ito in colorway #21. This worsted weight yarn provides the structure and color variations essential to the design.
• Needles: One pair of size US 8/5mm straight needles for working flat pieces, one 16-inch size US 8/5mm circular needle for smaller circumferences, one 32-inch size US 8/5mm circular needle for larger sections, and two size US 8/5mm double-pointed needles for I-cord construction.
• Notions: Stitch markers to identify decrease points in the mitered squares, a stitch holder or large safety pin for holding stitches during assembly, and approximately 1 yard of worsted weight scrap yarn, likely for provisional cast-on or stitch holders.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 15 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches over garter stitch using size US 8/5mm needles. Knitters are strongly advised to take time to check gauge before beginning, as variations will significantly affect the final garment measurements. The seamed construction method requires careful attention to edge stitches and precise seaming techniques to ensure a professional finish.