Penny Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Penny Cardigan in Juniper Moon Findley DK Dappled

What Is Being Made

The Penny Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan designed by Pamela Wynne, part of the Penny Collection. This garment is constructed as a single continuous piece worked sideways, beginning at the right cuff and ending at the left cuff. The body and sleeves are completed before a reversible ribbed lace neckband is knitted on to finish the piece. The cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from XXS to 3X, with a finished bust measurement from 28 inches to 56 inches and a consistent length of 25 inches.

Construction Techniques

The Penny Cardigan employs a sideways construction method, which is a specialized knitting technique where the garment is worked horizontally from cuff to cuff rather than in the traditional top-down or bottom-up approach. This method allows for unique shaping and seamless integration of the body and sleeves. The reversible ribbed lace neckband is added as a finishing element after the main body is complete, providing both aesthetic detail and functional structure at the neckline.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit side and a purl side.
• Ribbed Lace Stitch: A reversible pattern used for the neckband, created by alternating knit stitches with yarn overs and knit-two-together decreases. The pattern is worked as follows: *K1, yo, k2tog, rep from *. This creates a textured, lacy appearance that is identical on both sides of the fabric.
• Decreases: The pattern incorporates various decrease techniques including skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over), k2tog (knit two together), p2tog (purl two together), and p2togtbl (purl two together through back loop) for shaping the armholes and other areas.
• Increases: Make one left (m1L) and make one right (m1R) increases, as well as kfb (knit into front and back of stitch), are used to add stitches where needed for proper fit and shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Penny Cardigan is knitted using Juniper Moon Farm Findley DK yarn in the colorway #108 It's Smokin. The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 5 hanks for the smallest size (XXS) to 9 hanks for the largest size (3X). Findley DK is a worsted-weight yarn suitable for creating garments with excellent drape and durability.

The pattern calls for a US 4 (3.5mm) circular needle, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch, and 22 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in Ribbed Lace pattern. The difference in row gauge between these two stitch patterns reflects the textural variation created by the lace stitches. Knitters should swatch both stitch patterns to ensure accurate gauge before beginning the project.