Quail Studio Grace Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Quail Studio Grace Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Quail Studio Grace is a classic knitted cardigan designed for a comfortable, everyday fit. This garment features a button-front closure with shaped armholes and tailored shoulder seams, making it suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. The cardigan includes functional patch pockets and a ribbed band that runs along the front edges and neckline for a polished finish.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked flat method. The pattern pieces are knitted individually in flat rows on straight needles, then joined together using seaming techniques. This approach allows for precise shaping and makes it easier to achieve consistent measurements across multiple sizes.

The garment is assembled by first joining both shoulder seams using mattress stitch, a seaming method that creates an invisible, professional-looking join. After the main body pieces are seamed, a ribbed band is picked up and knitted around the front edges and neckline using circular needles, adding structure and definition to these areas.

Stitches and Shaping Details

The primary stitch used throughout the cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-textured knit side and bumpy purl side. This versatile stitch is ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture while maintaining a neat, tailored appearance.

The cardigan features strategic shaping to create a flattering silhouette:

• Front slope decreases: Decreases are worked at the front edge using K2tog and slip-stitch-knit-pass-slipped-stitch (Sl 1, K1, psso) techniques, occurring every 6th row to create a gradual taper toward the neckline
• Armhole shaping: Cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows create defined armholes, with additional decreases worked symmetrically on both sides to achieve proper sleeve cap fit
• Shoulder shaping: Graduated cast-offs at the shoulders provide structure and ensure proper garment drape
• Pocket construction: Two patch pockets are knitted separately in stockinette stitch and sewn onto the finished garment for added functionality and visual interest

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern is offered in six sizes with the following finished length measurements: 49–57cm (approximately 19¼–22½ inches) for the front, and 68–74cm (approximately 26¾–29¼ inches) for the back. Armhole depth ranges from 21–23cm (8¼–9 inches), ensuring proper fit across different body types. Cast-on stitch counts vary from 77–95 stitches for the back piece, allowing the pattern to accommodate a range of finished garment widths.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked on 6mm (US 10) needles, which are specified for both the flat stockinette sections and the circular needles used for the ribbed band. The yarn weight and fiber content are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, but the needle size indicates a worsted or aran-weight yarn would be appropriate for this project. Stitch holders are required to hold stitches during the neckline shaping process.

Pattern Format

The Quail Studio Grace cardigan is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it convenient to access, print, and reference while knitting. The pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions, multiple size options, and assembly guidance to support knitters from intermediate skill levels onward.