Paintbox Yarns Heaps of Heart Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Heaps of Heart Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Heaps of Heart Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements from 86 cm to 107 cm (34 to 42 inches). This garment features a finished length ranging from 59 cm to 67 cm depending on size, with sleeve seams measuring between 42.5 cm and 48.5 cm. The cardigan is constructed with button closure, requiring nine 2 cm diameter buttons for fastening.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs multiple construction techniques to create a well-fitted, professional garment. The pattern utilizes bottom-up construction, meaning the piece is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The design incorporates both seamless and worked flat methods, allowing knitters to minimize seaming while maintaining the flexibility of flat knitting. Additionally, stranded colorwork is featured in the design, and portions are worked in the round using circular needles, which is particularly useful for creating smooth, continuous sections without interruption.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout this cardigan is stocking stitch (known as stockinette stitch in US terminology), which creates the classic smooth, V-shaped texture characteristic of most knitted garments. The pattern includes increases worked using the m1 (make one) method, where a new stitch is created by picking up the horizontal loop lying before the next stitch and working into the back of it. This technique produces nearly invisible increases ideal for shaping garment pieces. The stranded colorwork technique involves carrying yarn colors across the back of the work to create patterned designs while maintaining consistent fabric density.

Materials and Tools Required

This pattern calls for Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran yarn, a worsted-weight yarn suitable for creating structured, durable knitwear. The yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest sizes require 5 balls of color A (Raspberry Pink) and 1 ball of color B (Ballet Pink), while larger sizes need up to 7 balls of color A with the same quantity of color B. The pattern specifies 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) circular knitting needles measuring 80 cm in length for initial construction, paired with 4½mm (UK 7 – US 7) circular needles of the same length for the main fabric. A set of four 4mm double-pointed needles and a set of four 4½mm double-pointed needles are also required for working smaller circumferences, particularly at the neckline and cuffs. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using the 4½mm needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their personal tension matches this specification, as variations will affect the finished measurements of the garment.

Pattern Format and Instructions

The pattern is provided in a downloadable PDF format with comprehensive sizing information. Instructions are written using UK knitting terminology with US terminology provided in italics for international knitters. The pattern accommodates five different sizes, with instructions for the smallest size given as the base, and changes for larger sizes indicated in square brackets. This systematic approach allows knitters of various experience levels to follow the same pattern while creating garments in their desired size.