Open Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Open Cardigan in Noro Akari & Noro Kanzashi

What Is Being Made

This is an open cardigan designed for knitters seeking an intermediate-level project. The cardigan features a classic open front construction and is available in five sizes ranging from Small to XX-Large, with finished bust measurements from 39 inches (99 cm) closed to 49 inches (124.5 cm), and lengths varying from 33 inches (83.5 cm) to 35 inches (89 cm). The upper arm circumference ranges from 15½ inches (39.5 cm) to 18½ inches (47 cm) across the size range.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to create its finished structure. Increases are used to add stitches within rows, accomplished through methods such as knitting in the front and back of a stitch or using make-one techniques. Decreases reduce stitch counts through methods including knit two together, purl two together, and slip-slip-knit decreases. The pattern utilizes stitch markers placed on the needle to help track pattern sections and shaping points. Pick up and knit techniques are employed to add stitches along finished edges, allowing for seamless integration of additional pattern sections. The cardigan incorporates selvage stitches at edges to facilitate easier seaming of finished pieces together.

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on essential knitting stitches worked both knitwise (inserting the needle as if to knit) and purlwise (inserting the needle as if to purl). Shaping is achieved through increases created by knitting into the front and back of stitches or lifting strands between stitches to create new stitches, as well as purl increases worked by lifting and purling the strand between stitches. Decreases are worked using standard methods such as knit two together and purl two together reductions. The pattern includes charted sections where no stitch spaces appear as shaded areas on charts, indicating where stitches have been previously decreased or not yet created; these spaces are skipped during chart work. Slip, slip, knit and slip, slip, purl decreases provide additional shaping options by slipping two stitches individually knitwise or purlwise, then working them together through their front loops.

Materials and Tools

This cardigan is worked using premium Japanese yarn from Noro in a multi-yarn construction. The project requires 2 to 3 balls of Noro Bachi in colorway #03 (designated as yarn A) and 2 to 3 balls of Noro Bachi in colorway #01 (designated as yarn B), with yardage amounts of 200 grams per ball. An additional 2 to 3 balls of Noro Kanzashi in colorway #03 (designated as yarn C) at 150 grams per ball provides textural variation. Exact yardage requirements vary by size. The project is worked on a US 10½/6.5mm circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length, which accommodates the width of the cardigan pieces and allows for working flat or in the round as the pattern directs.