Nuthatch Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Nuthatch Cardigan in Rowan Pebble Island

What is Being Made

The Nuthatch is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm chest measurement (28-30 inches to 60-62 inches). The finished cardigan features an actual chest measurement range of 102.5 cm to 184 cm, offering a comfortable fit across multiple sizing options.

Knitting Techniques

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern includes armhole shaping, which involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then decreasing one stitch at each end over multiple alternating rows to create a fitted sleeve cap. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic casting off at the beginning of rows across multiple rows to create a sloped shoulder line. The pattern also features back neck shaping, which requires working each side of the neck separately and decreasing stitches at the neck edge to create a properly finished neckline.

The cardigan incorporates slip stitch colorwork, a technique where stitches are slipped rather than knitted to create pattern effects without carrying yarn across the back. This method is particularly useful for creating intricate designs while maintaining fabric integrity and managing yarn tension.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Nuthatch cardigan uses fundamental knitting stitches combined into a repeating pattern sequence. The pattern is constructed over 32 rows and includes garter stitch (knit every row) sections worked in yarn A. The colorwork pattern alternates between rows of garter stitch and slip stitch rows, where the pattern reads K1, *slip 1, K1, repeat from * to end. This creates a textured, multi-colored design across the body of the cardigan. The pattern is maintained throughout shaping, requiring careful attention to keep the stitch pattern correct while simultaneously executing increases and decreases for armholes, shoulders, and neckline.

Yarn and Materials

The Nuthatch cardigan is worked in Rowan Pebble Island, a yarn weight of 50 grams per ball. The design uses three coordinating colors from this yarn line: Teaberry 024 (yarn A), Rockhopper 027 (yarn B), and Macaroni 029 (yarn C). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 13 to 24 balls depending on the finished garment size.

The pattern requires 4mm (US 6) needles and 4.5mm (US 7) needles, allowing for gauge adjustment and proper fabric construction. A 4mm (US 6) circular needle at least 120 cm long is also needed, typically for finishing edges such as button bands or neckline edging. The cardigan is finished with five brown corozo buttons measuring 23mm (TGB4837 from Textile Garden), providing a natural, durable closure.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The pattern is written for multiple sizes with measurements given in both centimeters and inches. The back piece is worked straight until it reaches a specific length before armhole shaping begins. The pattern maintains the 32-row repeat throughout, even while executing shaping sequences, demonstrating intermediate-level skill in pattern management. Detailed row-by-row instructions guide the knitter through casting off for shoulders and shaping the back neck, with different stitch counts for each size clearly indicated.