Noro Boxy Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Boxy Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Noro Boxy Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan featuring a relaxed, boxy silhouette. This downloadable knitting pattern is sized for Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 41 to 53 inches (104 to 134.5 cm) and finished lengths between 22 and 24 inches (56 to 61 cm). The cardigan is designed to be worn closed and includes five ¾-inch buttons for fastening.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques that build foundational skills. The pattern incorporates increases using the make one method, where the strand between stitches is lifted and worked to add stitches. Decreases are achieved through slip, slip, knit techniques, which involve slipping two stitches knitwise and then knitting them together. The pattern uses stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the garment. Picking up and knitting is employed along edges to create seamless transitions for bands or additional sections. The cardigan also features selvage stitches at the edges, which are edge stitches designed to make seaming easier when assembling the finished pieces.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Noro Boxy Cardigan uses fundamental knitting stitches combined with charted stitch patterns. The pattern includes both knit and purl stitches as the foundation, with instructions for working both knitwise and purlwise as needed. Yarn overs are incorporated into the stitch pattern for decorative or textural elements. The pattern uses chart notation that includes "no stitch" spaces—shaded areas on the chart indicating where stitches have been decreased or not yet made, which are skipped during pattern work. The combination of knit, purl, and yarn over stitches creates the visual interest and texture of the finished cardigan.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Boxy Cardigan is knitted using Noro Tsubame yarn in colorway #02. The yardage requirement is 2 to 3 balls of 200g each, depending on the size being made. Two pairs of knitting needles are required: US 4/3.5mm needles for ribbing or edging, and US 6/4mm needles for the main body of the cardigan. Additional notions include five ¾-inch buttons for the cardigan closure and stitch markers to aid in tracking pattern repeats and shaping throughout the knitting process.

Upper Arm and Fit Measurements

The cardigan's upper arm circumference ranges from 14½ inches (37 cm) in the Small size to 17½ inches (44.5 cm) in the X-Large size, providing comfortable sleeve width across the size range. These measurements ensure the boxy silhouette remains proportional while accommodating different body sizes.