Noro Fragrance Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Fragrance Cardigan by Jenny Watson

What is Being Made

The Noro Fragrance is a fitted cardigan jacket designed in five size options ranging from X Small to X Large, with bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) to 122/127 cm (48/50 inches). The cardigan features a full length of 66 to 74 cm (26 to 29¼ inches) depending on size, with sleeve lengths ranging from 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches). This is a classic wardrobe piece that combines structure with elegant lace detailing.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both visual interest and proper garment structure:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating seams that are finished separately.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces—front panels, back, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then seamed together for a polished, tailored appearance.
• Lace Integration: Lace elements are incorporated throughout the design, adding sophistication and visual texture to the finished garment.
• Raglan Shaping: The cardigan features raglan armholes, which are created through strategic decreasing at the armhole edges and continue up to the neckline, providing a comfortable, sloped shoulder line.
• Ribbed Borders: The pattern includes ribbed edging and borders that provide structure and help the cardigan maintain its shape during wear and washing.

Stitches Used

The Noro Fragrance employs fundamental knitting stitches combined to create texture and structure:

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the right side.
• Ribbed Stitch: Knit and purl combinations in 2x2 rib (alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches) are used for borders, cuffs, and edgings. This elastic stitch provides structure and helps edges lay flat.
• Lace Stitches: Yarn overs and decreases are combined to create openwork lace patterns that add elegance and visual interest to the design.
• Decreases: Strategic decreasing techniques shape the raglan armholes and front edges, creating the fitted silhouette.
• Increases: Increases are worked where needed to accommodate the cardigan's shaping and lace pattern integration.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Fragrance is knitted with high-quality materials specified for optimal drape and appearance:

• Yarn: Noro Silk Garden in Colorway 408 is the featured yarn. The pattern requires 9 to 13 balls of 50-gram weight, depending on the size being knitted. Noro Silk Garden is known for its luxurious blend and beautiful color variations that create visual depth in finished garments.
• Needles: Two pairs of needles are required—5mm (US Size 8) needles for the main fabric and 4mm (US Size 6) needles for ribbed borders and edgings. The smaller needles create tighter tension in the ribbing, ensuring edges remain elastic and structured.
• Additional Notions: Stitch holders are necessary to hold stitches temporarily while working different sections, particularly for the front borders and neckline shaping.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving correct tension is essential for this cardigan to fit properly. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 5mm (US Size 8) needles. Knitters should always knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their tension matches the pattern specifications, as variations in tension can significantly affect the final garment measurements and fit.