Noro Beech Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Beech Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Noro Beech is a knitted cardigan designed by Jenny Watson, available in five sizes ranging from Small (32/34 inches bust) to XX Large (48/50 inches bust). This garment is constructed as a single piece from the bottom up to the armholes, then divided for the back and fronts, creating a seamless foundation before pieces are joined together. The finished cardigan features a full length of 59 to 67 centimeters (23¼ to 26½ inches) depending on size, with sleeve lengths ranging from 46 to 48 centimeters (18 to 19 inches).

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, providing greater control over fit and length adjustments
• Worked flat: All pieces are created on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier stitch manipulation and pattern work
• Lace patterning: Decorative lace elements are incorporated throughout using yarn-over increases and decrease techniques to create openwork design
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are sewn together to form the finished garment, ensuring durability and professional finishing

Stitches Used

The Noro Beech utilizes fundamental and decorative knitting stitches to achieve its design:

• Stockinette stitch (st-st): The primary stitch throughout the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Yarn-overs (yfwd): Used to create decorative holes and lace patterning, adding visual interest and texture
• Decreases: Techniques including slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K1, psso) and slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K2tog, psso) are employed to shape the lace pattern and structure the garment
• Knit and purl stitches: Basic stitches form the foundation of the pattern rows and alternate rows

Materials

The Noro Beech is designed to be worked with specific materials to achieve the intended drape and appearance:

• Yarn: 5 to 8 hanks of Noro Tennen in Shade 28, with each hank weighing 100 grams. The quantity required depends on the chosen size, with larger sizes requiring additional yarn
• Needles: Three pairs of knitting needles in different sizes are required: 3.75mm (US5), 4.5mm (US7), and 5mm (US8). The 4.5mm needles are used for the main body at a tension of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch
• Notions: Six buttons are required to complete the cardigan closure

Tension and Fit

Achieving the correct tension is essential for the success of this project. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 26 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) over stockinette stitch using 4.5mm (US7) needles. Adjustments to needle size should be made if tension varies: use finer needles if there are fewer stitches and rows per 10 centimeters, or larger needles if there are more. The cardigan is designed to fit bust measurements from 81 to 127 centimeters (32 to 50 inches), with actual finished measurements ranging from 91 to 132 centimeters (36 to 52 inches) to allow for comfortable wearing ease.