Shaker Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shaker Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite 4ply

What Is Being Made

The Shaker is a women's cardigan designed by Kim Hargreaves, featuring a sophisticated lace pattern throughout. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm bust measurement, with actual finished bust measurements from 86 cm to 168 cm. The cardigan includes button front closure with five buttons and is constructed with shaped armholes, tailored shoulders, and a back neck opening.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction involves armhole shaping achieved through strategic cast-offs and decreases worked at regular intervals. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through graduated cast-offs to create a fitted shoulder line. The pattern includes neck shaping with decreases at the neck edge to form a refined neckline. The garment is worked primarily in the round or in pieces with careful attention to maintaining pattern continuity throughout all shaping rows.

Stitches Used

The Shaker features a lace pattern as its primary stitch structure. The lace pattern is constructed using fundamental lace stitches including:

• Yarn forward (yfwd) – creates the characteristic eyelets of lace
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, K1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Knit (K) – stockinette stitch base

The lace pattern repeat combines these stitches to create an open, decorative fabric while maintaining structural integrity. The pattern must be kept correct throughout all shaping rows, requiring careful stitch counting and attention to pattern alignment.

Materials and Gauge

The Shaker is designed to be knitted in Rowan Summerlite 4ply, a lightweight yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The yarn weight and fiber content make this ideal for a delicate, breathable cardigan suitable for warmer seasons. The pattern is photographed in Periwinkle 424, a soft blue colorway.

Two needle sizes are required: 2.25mm (US 1) needles for ribbing or edging, and 3mm (US 2/3) needles for the main fabric. The working tension is 25 stitches and 38 rows over 10 centimeters measured over the lace pattern using 3mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit across the nine size options.

Additional materials include stitch holders for holding stitches during neck and shoulder shaping, and five buttons for the front closure.