Rosy Maple Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rosy Maple Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Rosy Maple Cardigan is a women's button-front cardigan designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is available in ten sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, with finished bust measurements from 40¼ inches to 76½ inches (102 cm to 194 cm). The cardigan features a classic construction with a length of approximately 31½ to 34 inches (80 to 86.5 cm), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions. The pattern recommends 4 to 8 inches (10 to 15 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This Advanced Beginner knitting project employs several fundamental cardigan construction techniques. The cardigan is worked from the bottom up in separate pieces—the front panels, back panel, and body sections are knitted flat before being seamed together at the sides and shoulders. Once the body is complete, sleeve stitches are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round, which is a common method for seamless sleeve construction. This combination of flat and circular knitting makes the pattern accessible to knitters progressing beyond basic skills while introducing them to more complex garment assembly.

Stitches Used

The Rosy Maple Cardigan primarily features two fundamental stitch patterns. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the main fabric of the garment, creating a smooth, classic appearance. Knit 2, purl 2 ribbing (k2, p2) is used for edgings and cuffs, providing elasticity and structure to areas such as the neckline, button bands, and sleeve cuffs. Both stitch patterns are worked with both yarns held together throughout the project, creating a cohesive fabric with consistent texture and drape.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rosy Maple Cardigan is designed to be knitted using two Berroco yarns held together as a single strand. The primary yarn is Berroco Millstone Tweed in colorway #11122 Peacock, with yardage requirements ranging from 14 to 25 balls depending on size (each ball weighs 50 grams). This yarn is paired with Berroco Aerial in colorway #3489 Calypso, requiring 5 to 8 balls per size (each ball weighs 25 grams). Holding these two yarns together creates a textured, multi-dimensional fabric.

Knitting needles required include one 40-inch (100 cm) circular needle and one 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle, both in size 9 (5.5 mm), or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern also calls for waste yarn to hold stitches temporarily, 2 stitch markers for construction points, 6 removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats or shaping, and three 1-inch (25 mm) buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when working in stockinette stitch and knit 2, purl 2 ribbing with both yarns held together. Gauge is measured after blocking, which is essential for accurate finished measurements. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning to ensure that the finished cardigan will match the intended dimensions.