Seal Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Seal Cardigan in Rowan Brushed Fleece

What is Being Made

The Seal Cardigan is a beginner-friendly knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm up to 152–157 cm, with corresponding finished bust measurements from 41½ inches to 74½ inches. This garment features a classic cardigan construction with a back panel, right front panel, sleeves, and a knitted band detail. The design is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various body measurements.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The primary construction method uses stockinette stitch throughout the main body pieces. Increases are strategically placed at the edges of the sleeves using the make-one (M1) increase method, creating gradual sleeve shaping. The pattern incorporates shoulder shaping through cast-off decreases worked at the beginning of rows. Mattress stitch is used during finishing to join the shoulder seams with an invisible seam. The band is picked up using circular needles and worked in the round, demonstrating a common technique for adding finished edges to cardigans.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Seal Cardigan is constructed almost entirely in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. This stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The pattern begins with a knit row and continues in this rhythm throughout the back, fronts, and sleeves. Sleeve increases are worked using make-one (M1) increases positioned two stitches in from each edge, creating a neat, symmetrical shaping detail. The increases are repeated at intervals specific to each size, ranging from every 4th row to every 10th row depending on the finished garment size.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Seal Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Brushed Fleece, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Cove 251. The quantity of yarn required varies by size, with requirements ranging from 6 balls for the smallest size to 10 balls for the largest size.

The pattern calls for 9mm (US 13) needles throughout. Specifically, crafters will need one pair of 9mm needles for working the flat pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves), and a 9mm circular needle measuring at least 100 cm in length for picking up and working the band. The tension is established at 11 stitches and 15 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 9mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a stitch holder for holding stitches during construction and stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points. The finishing process includes pressing the completed pieces according to standard instructions before assembly, followed by joining shoulder seams using mattress stitch for a professional appearance.