Paintbox Yarns Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 to 50 inches). This wrap-style cardigan features a finished length measured from the back neck of 70 to 74 cm (27½ to 29¼ inches) and sleeve lengths of 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches). The pattern is available in ten different sizes, making it accessible for a wide range of body measurements.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the pieces are knitted starting from the lower edges and worked upward, then assembled together using seams. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is a traditional approach for cardigan construction. This technique allows for straightforward shaping and finishing while building the individual front, back, and sleeve pieces separately before joining them together.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch in US terminology), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of many knitted garments. Stocking stitch is formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing an even, refined appearance. The pattern also incorporates standard shaping techniques including increases and decreases to create the fitted silhouette and proper sleeve cap shaping.

Materials and Needles

The Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan is designed to be worked in Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a double-knitting weight yarn. The pattern calls for a color-blocked construction using three coordinating colors: Blush Pink (A), Misty Grey (B), and Paper White (C). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 7 balls (for the smallest size) to 16 balls (for the largest size) of 100g balls distributed across the three colors.

The project requires 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) knitting needles in multiple configurations: a pair of standard straight needles for the main flat knitting, two double-pointed needles for small circumference sections, and a 4mm circular needle for certain construction elements. The recommended tension (gauge) is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements.

Pattern Notes

The pattern is written using UK knitting terminology with US equivalents provided in italics within parentheses for clarity. Instructions are given for the smallest size with variations for larger sizes indicated in square brackets. The pattern includes comprehensive sizing information with specific measurements for bust, underarm width, finished length, and sleeve length across all ten size options. Paintbox Yarns recommends using their specified yarn to ensure the finished garment meets the intended dimensions and appearance.