Plymouth Yarn Ladies Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Ladies Cardigan in Baby Alpaca Worsted

What Is Being Made

This is a women's cardigan designed by Plymouth Yarn, featuring a classic button-front closure with six buttons. The cardigan is available in four sizes to fit Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large, with finished measurements ranging from 36 inches to 48 inches across the bust. The finished length varies from 21.5 inches to 24.5 inches depending on size, and sleeve length is approximately 17 to 17.5 inches. This garment is an ideal layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This cardigan is crafted using Baby Alpaca Worsted yarn in the natural color (color 100). The yardage requirement ranges from 700 to 900 grams depending on size, with the pattern calling for 7 to 9 skeins of 100-gram weight. Baby alpaca is known for its softness, breathability, and luxurious drape, making it an excellent choice for a refined cardigan that will be comfortable against the skin.

Needles and Notions

• US Size 6 needles for main pattern work
• US Size 5 needles for ribbed bands only
• Six buttons for the front closure
• Stitch holders for managing stitches during construction

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches over 4 inches on US Size 6 needles over the pattern stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and finished measurements. Knitters should always swatch before beginning the project to ensure their personal gauge matches the pattern requirements.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece is knitted back and forth in rows. The garment is constructed using the bottom-up method, where the back and front pieces are knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. After all pieces are completed, they are seamed together using a mattress stitch or similar seaming technique to create finished side seams and shoulder seams. This construction method allows for easy customization of length and provides a professional finish.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The cardigan features a sophisticated stitch pattern combining several knitting techniques:

• Twisted Stitches: The pattern extensively uses twisted stitches, specifically tw2b (twist 2 back) and tw2f (twist 2 front), which create a subtle textured effect and add visual interest to the fabric
• Cable Elements: The pattern incorporates cable-inspired motifs created through the strategic placement and manipulation of twisted stitches, forming vertical lines of texture down the front and back of the cardigan
• Ribbing: The cardigan begins with a twisted rib at the lower edge, worked over 2 to 3 inches depending on size, which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body sections are worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), providing a smooth, classic background for the textured cable and twisted stitch details
• Reverse Stockinette: Purl stitches are used strategically to frame and highlight the cable and twisted stitch patterns

Pattern Structure

The back piece is cast on with 109 to 145 stitches depending on size. After the initial twisted rib section, the pattern increases by one stitch to establish the main pattern repeat. The stitch pattern is organized with cable and twisted stitch motifs positioned symmetrically across the back, with stockinette stitch sections flanking these textured elements. The pattern repeats over multiple rows, creating a cohesive and balanced design across the entire garment.

Finishing and Assembly

Once all pieces—back, two fronts, and two sleeves—are knitted to the specified measurements, they are joined together through seaming. The button bands are typically picked up and knitted using the smaller US Size 5 needles to create a neat, finished edge. Six buttons are sewn onto the right front band to align with corresponding buttonholes or button loops on the left front band, completing the cardigan's functional closure.