Noro Elbow-Length Cardi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Elbow-Length Cardi

What is Being Made

The Noro Elbow-Length Cardi is a knitted cardigan featuring elbow-length sleeves, designed in five size options ranging from Small to XX-Large. The finished bust measurements span from approximately 40 inches (101.5 cm) for the smallest size to 56 inches (142 cm) for the largest size, with corresponding length measurements between 26 and 28 inches (66 to 71 cm). The upper arm circumference ranges from 14 to 18 inches (42 to 48 cm) across the size range. This is a classic wardrobe piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The pattern employs seamed construction, with pieces knitted separately and then joined together using seaming techniques for a polished finish. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row knitting on two needles.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches and techniques essential for constructing a fitted garment:

• Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Increases are worked by knitting into the front and back of stitches to add width where needed for shaping
• Make one (M1) increases, both knitwise and purlwise variations, are used for subtle, nearly invisible shaping by lifting the strand between stitches
• Decreases including slip, slip, knit (SSK) and slip, slip, purl (SSP) techniques create tapered sections
• Selvage stitches are worked at the edges to facilitate clean seaming
• Stitch markers are placed throughout to help track pattern repeats and shaping points
• Pick up and knit technique is used to add stitches along finished edges, likely for the button bands or neckline finishing

Materials and Tools

The Noro Elbow-Length Cardi is knitted with Noro Kiso yarn in colorway #3, a premium Japanese yarn known for its distinctive color blending and texture. The pattern requires 6 to 9 skeins of 100-gram weight depending on the size selected, with larger sizes requiring additional yardage. Construction is worked on US size 8 (5mm) needles or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge for proper fit. Essential accessories include removable stitch markers for tracking increases and decreases, and stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during seaming and finishing.