Serendipity Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Serendipity Cardigan in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino

What Is Being Made

The Serendipity Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Erika Knight, available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches). The finished garment features actual bust measurements ranging from 97.5 cm (38½ inches) in the smallest size to 139 cm (54½ inches) in the largest size, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for various body types.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structured shape and refined finish. Decreasing is used extensively throughout the garment, with slip-stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together (K2tog) stitches worked symmetrically to create tapered shaping at the armholes and waist. Wrapping stitches is employed during shoulder and back neck shaping, a technique where stitches are slipped from the left needle to the right needle, the yarn is taken to the opposite side of the work between the needles, and the same stitch is slipped back—this creates a smooth transition when wrapped stitches and their wrapping loops are worked together as one stitch on subsequent rows. This prevents the ladder-like gaps that can occur in short-row shaping.

The cardigan is worked in ribbed pattern combined with stockinette stitch, creating textural interest and elasticity. The construction progresses from the back piece upward, with deliberate shaping at the armholes and waist before transitioning to the shoulder and back neck shaping.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base of stockinette sections
• Purl stitch (P) – used in ribbed pattern sections and stockinette reverse
• Rib pattern (K1, P1) – creates vertical columns of texture and provides elasticity throughout the garment
• Slip-stitch decrease (sl 1, K1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease used for symmetric armhole and waist shaping
• Knit-two-together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease paired with slip-stitch decreases for balanced shaping
• Purl-two-together (P2tog) – used on wrong-side rows to maintain pattern continuity
• Purl-two-together through back loop (P2tog tbl) – creates a left-leaning decrease on purl rows
• Wrapped stitches – advanced technique for seamless short-row shaping at shoulders and back neck

Materials

The Serendipity Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino yarn, a luxurious blend combining the softness of cashmere with the durability of merino wool. The pattern requires 11 to 17 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the size selected (11 balls for the smallest size, increasing to 17 balls for the largest size). The yarn is worked on 3½mm (US 4) needles—one pair for the main knitting and an additional 3½mm needle reserved for casting off shoulders. The recommended tension is 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch and ribbed pattern when stretched, using 3½mm needles. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Puddle 126, showcasing the yarn's subtle, sophisticated appearance.

Pattern Details

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 112 to 160 stitches depending on size, worked in rib pattern. The garment features multiple stages of shaping: initial decreases are worked at regular intervals to create waist definition, followed by armhole shaping where decreases are concentrated at the edges. The back piece measures approximately 19.5 to 25.5 centimeters from the beginning of armhole shaping to the start of shoulder shaping, depending on size. Shoulder and back neck shaping employ the wrapped-stitch technique over multiple rows, creating a smooth, professional finish without visible gaps or distortion.