Noro Sleeveless Colorblock Hoodie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Sleeveless Colorblock Hoodie

What is Being Made

The Noro Sleeveless Colorblock Hoodie is an intermediate-level knitted vest featuring a colorblock design created by combining two distinct colors of yarn. This sleeveless garment includes a functional hood and is designed with a structured silhouette. The finished measurements range from 36 to 48 inches in bust circumference, with a length of approximately 29 to 30½ inches, making it suitable for various sizes.

Construction Technique

This hoodie is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach, meaning the pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and assembled together rather than being worked in the round. The pattern involves creating separate pieces for the left front, back, and other components that are later joined together using the 3-needle bind-off technique, which creates a secure seam by binding off two pieces simultaneously while holding them right sides together.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout this garment is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with visible V-shaped columns. The pattern incorporates several shaping techniques to create the garment's structure:

• Kfb (knit front and back) – an increase stitch that creates two stitches from one, used to add width to the piece
• K2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit) – a left-leaning decrease used for balanced shaping
• SK2P (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) – a double decrease that removes two stitches at once, creating a more pronounced shaping effect

The left front piece begins with a single stitch that is increased into multiple stitches using the (k1, p1, k1) technique, which creates three stitches from one base stitch. This creates the shaped corner detail of the hood. The piece then undergoes systematic increases and decreases to form the angled edges characteristic of a colorblock design.

Materials and Tools

This project uses Noro Taiyo yarn in two coordinating colorways: color #48 (A) and color #28 (B). The pattern calls for 2 skeins of each color across all sizes, allowing for the colorblock effect. The yarn is worked on size 8 (5mm) needles, including a 32-inch circular needle for larger sections and a 16-inch circular needle or a set of size 8 double-pointed needles for smaller sections such as the hood.

Additional materials include stitch holders and stitch markers for tracking progress and holding stitches temporarily. The pattern also specifies two 18-inch lengths of grosgrain ribbon, 3⁄8 inch wide, which serve as structural reinforcement or finishing elements.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches over stockinette stitch using the size 8 needle. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit. The blocked pieces should measure 18 by 9 to 12 inches, depending on size, before assembly into the final garment.