Noro Y1168 Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Y1168 Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Noro Y1168 Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed as a classic button-front garment. This piece features a structured silhouette with finished measurements of 45 inches across the width and 23½ inches in length, with sleeves measuring 17½ inches. The cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the pieces are knitted separately from the lower edges upward and then sewn together to create the finished garment.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and shaping. The construction method is bottom-up and seamed, which means each component—back, fronts, and sleeves—is knitted individually from the cast-on edge upward, then carefully seamed together using mattress stitch or similar joining techniques. This approach provides excellent control over fit and allows for straightforward increases and decreases along the sides and armholes.

The cardigan features a center back panel that incorporates decorative patterning over 31 stitches across 18 rows, adding visual interest to the back piece. This panel uses alternating knit and purl stitches to create texture and dimension. The pattern includes yarn overs, which are used to create new stitches and contribute to the overall stitch definition and drape of the fabric.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch foundation for this cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base. The ribbing at the lower edge uses knit and purl stitches in alternation (k1, p1 ribbing), which provides elasticity and helps the cardigan sit neatly at the hem and cuffs. The center back panel incorporates more complex stitch combinations, including:

• Knit stitches (k) for raised texture
• Purl stitches (p) for recessed texture
• Yarn overs for decorative eyelet or lace effects

These stitch variations create a textured panel that contrasts with the smooth stockinette background, adding sophistication to the design.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Y1168 Cardigan requires 3 balls of 200 grams each of Noro Tsuido yarn in colorway #65, providing approximately 600 grams of yarn for the complete project. Two sizes of needles are used: US 9/5½mm needles for the ribbed edging and US 10/6mm needles for the main body and pattern work. This two-needle approach allows the ribbing to be worked at a tighter gauge for better elasticity, while the larger needles create the appropriate fabric density for the stockinette and patterned sections.

The cardigan is finished with 5 buttons for the front closure, providing both function and design detail. The recommended gauge is 13 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch using the US 10/6mm needles, which is essential to achieve the intended finished measurements and proper fit.