Oyster Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Oyster Cardigan in Rowan Cotton Glace

What Is Being Made

The Oyster Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Quails Studio, available in nine size options ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-147 cm bust measurements. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan suitable for intermediate-level knitters seeking a versatile, wearable project with structured shaping and professional finishing.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project requiring intermediate skill level. The cardigan employs fundamental knitting construction methods including cast-on techniques, row-by-row shaping, and strategic increases and decreases to create a well-fitted silhouette. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for sleeves, shoulders, and neckline, demonstrating techniques suitable for knitters with foundational experience who are ready to tackle garment construction with multiple components.

Stitches and Shaping Techniques

The pattern utilizes stocking stitch as the primary fabric, indicated by the tension gauge of 24 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm. Key shaping techniques include:

• Sleeve cap shaping: Increases worked at each end of rows—1 stitch increased at each end on the next row and following 4th rows, then on following alternate rows, then on following rows—creating a smooth cap curve
• Shoulder shaping: Multiple cast-off sequences at the shoulder edge to create a sloped shoulder line
• Neck shaping: Decreases worked at the neck edge combined with shoulder cast-offs, worked separately for each side
• Body increases: Cast-on stitches added at the beginning of rows to accommodate sleeve cap width integration into the body

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Oyster Cardigan is designed for Rowan Cotton Glace, a smooth, lightweight cotton yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The pattern was photographed in two colorways: Ochre 833 and Bleached 726. Specific yardage requirements vary by size but are calculated based on the yarn weight and pattern dimensions.

Needles required:

• 1 pair of 3mm (UK size 11 / US size 2/3) needles for ribbing and initial cast-on
• 1 pair of 3½mm (UK size 9/10 / US size 4) needles for main fabric
• 3mm (UK size 11 / US size 2/3) circular needle, minimum 100 cm length, for neckband and finishing

Additional Notions and Finishing

The cardigan requires four buttons for the front closure. The pattern also calls for stitch holders to manage live stitches during neck and shoulder shaping, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout construction.

Garment Construction and Fit

The Oyster Cardigan features a fitted silhouette with precise bust measurements ranging from 104 cm to 184 cm across the nine size options. The pattern includes detailed row counts and stitch counts at each shaping stage, allowing knitters to customize fit through careful attention to tension and row gauge. The sleeves are set-in style with shaped caps, and the back neck features a traditional curved neckline with separate side shaping for a professional finish.