Plymouth Yarn Ladies Diamond Caradigan Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Ladies Diamond Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Plymouth Yarn Ladies Diamond Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan featuring an elegant diamond stitch pattern worked throughout the body. This sophisticated design is available in five sizes ranging from Small to XXL, with finished bust measurements of 36 to 52 inches and finished lengths from 23 to 25 inches. The cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed construction method, worked flat on straight needles for ease of assembly.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern offers flexibility in yarn choice, featuring two premium options from Plymouth Yarn:

• Davila: 9 to 14 skeins of 50g weight (depending on size), available in color 37 Merlot
• Moon Shadow: 7 to 11 balls of 50g weight (depending on size), available in color Forest Moon

The pattern requires US size 6 and US size 8 knitting needles, along with a US size E-4 crochet hook for finishing details. Additional materials include stitch holders and one button measuring 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.

Gauge and Tension

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when working with the larger US size 8 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Construction Techniques

The Ladies Diamond Cardigan employs a bottom-up seamed construction method, meaning the back and front pieces are knitted separately from the lower edge upward, then seamed together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern work and shaping.

Stitch Patterns and Details

The cardigan features a combination of essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Garter Stitch: Used for the initial ribbing at the lower edge (7 rows) and maintained at selvedge edges throughout for a finished appearance
• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the primary fabric of the garment, creating a smooth, refined surface
• Diamond Pattern: A charted stitch pattern that creates the distinctive diamond motif across the body of the cardigan, established after the garter stitch ribbing
• Decreases and Increases: Worked one stitch in from edges for a professional appearance, used for armhole shaping and neck shaping

Garment Shaping

The pattern includes strategic shaping to create a well-fitted silhouette. Armholes are shaped by binding off 8 to 13 stitches at the beginning of rows (depending on size), creating a tailored fit at the shoulders. Neck shaping is incorporated on the front pieces with bind-offs and graduated decreases worked every 4 to 6 rows, resulting in a flattering neckline. The pattern notes specify that all increases and decreases should be worked one stitch in from the edge to maintain a neat, professional finish.

Pattern Features

The Ladies Diamond Cardigan is designed with practical construction notes to ensure success. When working the front pieces, new yarn is joined only at side edges, simplifying the knitting process. Selvedge stitches are maintained at edges but are not reflected on the schematic, providing clean seaming lines. The pattern provides detailed instructions for establishing the diamond chart pattern and transitioning to stockinette stitch after the pattern section is complete.