Plymouth Yarn Back Panel Seed Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Back Panel Seed Cardigan

Project Overview

The Plymouth Yarn Back Panel Seed Cardigan (Pattern No. 1921) is a classic worsted-weight cardigan featuring a distinctive center back panel worked in seed stitch, contrasting with stockinette stitch sections on either side. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed method worked flat on straight needles, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, traditional cardigan with visual interest and texture variation.

Garment Specifications

Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Finished Measurements:

• Chest: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches
• Length: 23 (23½, 24, 24½, 25) inches

Button Count: 4 buttons, each 7/8 inch diameter

Materials Required

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash in color #13 (100g skeins)

• Yardage: 5 (6, 7, 7, 8) skeins depending on size
• Fiber Content: 100% superwash merino wool
• Weight Class: Worsted weight

Needles:

• US size 7 [4.5mm] straight needles (primary working needles)
• US size 5 [3.75mm] straight and 32-inch circular needles (for ribbing and finishing)

Additional Notions: Stitch markers, removable markers or safety pins, stitch holders

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch using US size 7 [4.5mm] needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and overall fit of the cardigan.

Primary Stitches and Techniques

Seed Stitch: The signature stitch of this cardigan, seed stitch creates a textured, bumpy fabric by alternating knit and purl stitches within each row. This reversible stitch is worked over an even number of stitches using a two-row repeat: Row 1 (right side) alternates knit one, purl one; Row 2 (wrong side) reverses the pattern by purling over the knits and knitting over the purls. Seed stitch is used for the center back panel, creating visual and tactile contrast against the smooth stockinette sections.

Stockinette Stitch: The foundational stitch used for the side panels and body sections, stockinette stitch is created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric familiar to most knitters.

Decreasing Techniques: The pattern employs slip-slip-knit (ssk) and knit-two-together (k2tog) decreases to shape the garment, particularly at the armholes and neckline. These decreases are worked one stitch in from the edge to create neat, professional-looking selvage edges.

Construction Method

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach worked flat on straight needles. The back is worked first, followed by the left and right front panels. The pattern establishes distinct stitch sections across the back: stockinette stitch on the outer edges with a centered seed stitch panel. Removable markers are placed to track the boundaries between stitch patterns, ensuring accurate transitions and shaping. Decreases are worked at regular intervals to shape the armholes and create proper fit. After individual pieces are completed, they are seamed together using mattress stitch or a similar seaming method, and finishing details such as button bands and neckline edging are added using the smaller needles to create a neat, polished appearance.

Design Features

The back panel seed stitch creates a distinctive textural focal point that distinguishes this cardigan from basic stockinette designs. The contrast between the smooth stockinette side panels and the bumpy seed stitch center adds visual depth and interest. The use of superwash merino yarn provides durability and easy care, making this cardigan practical for everyday wear while maintaining the softness and drape expected