Robette Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Robette Cardigan in Berroco Remix Chunky

What is Being Made

The Robette Cardigan is a button-front cardigan designed by Alison Green, available in eight sizes ranging from 38" to 66" bust measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project features a modern, wearable silhouette with positive ease of approximately 4–6" built in for comfortable layering. The cardigan is constructed using a seamless, bottom-up method with the body knit as one continuous piece before sleeves are added and the yoke is completed in one piece.

Techniques Used

The Robette Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, with the body initially worked flat before transitioning to in-the-round construction for the sleeves. A notable shaping technique used in this design is short-row shaping, which is applied to the neckline to create a custom fit and elegant neckline curve. The seamless construction method eliminates the need for seaming, resulting in a professional finish with minimal finishing work required.

Stitches Used

The Robette Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches suitable for a chunky yarn project. The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape. The ribbing at the cuffs, hem, and neckline is worked in k1, p1 ribbing (knit one, purl one), which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape during wear and washing. This combination of stockinette and ribbing is a traditional approach that showcases the texture and color of the yarn while ensuring structural integrity at the edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Robette Cardigan is designed specifically for Berroco Remix Chunky, a bulky-weight yarn that allows for quick knitting and dramatic results. The pattern calls for three coordinating colors: Pepper (color #9993) as the main color, requiring 4 to 7 balls depending on size; Birch (color #9901) as a contrast color, requiring 1 to 3 balls; and Buttercup (color #9922) as an accent color, requiring 1 ball across all sizes.

Knitting needles required include 32" circular needles in sizes 8 (5 mm) and 10 (6 mm), plus one set of double-pointed needles in matching sizes for working the sleeves in the round. The smaller needles (size 8 / 5 mm) are used for ribbed sections to maintain elasticity, while the larger needles (size 10 / 6 mm) are used for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The pattern also calls for waste yarn to hold stitches temporarily and eight 1" (2.5 cm) buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. In stockinette stitch using the larger needles, the target gauge is 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4" (10 cm) after blocking. For the ribbed sections using smaller needles, the gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4" (10 cm). Finished bust measurements range from 38" to 66" depending on the size selected, with lengths ranging from 22½" to 25½" measured down the center back. The pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fit.