Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Courtney Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Courtney Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Courtney is a sophisticated seamed cardigan designed by Irina Poludnenko, crafted using the bottom-up construction method. This experienced-level knitting project is available in five sizes ranging from XSmall to XL, with finished bust measurements from 35½ inches (90 cm) to 49½ inches (126 cm) and lengths between 22¾ inches (58 cm) and 25¾ inches (65.5 cm). The cardigan features intricate cable and twist stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced knitters. The bottom-up construction method means the piece is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, allowing for easier stitch management and the ability to set the work down between sessions. The finished pieces are then seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking joins at the side seams and other structural points. Cable work is a prominent feature, requiring the use of a cable needle to create the distinctive twisted and crossed stitches that form the pattern.

Stitches Used

The Courtney cardigan showcases multiple stitch techniques that build on fundamental knitting skills. The primary stitch pattern is the Cable Stitch Pattern, which works over a multiple of 9 stitches plus 1, repeating over 14 rows. This pattern incorporates several specialized cable and twist maneuvers:

• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. This creates a cable cross that twists to the front of the work.
• T3B (Twist 3 Back): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit 2 stitches, then knit 1 stitch from cable needle. This creates a right-leaning twist.
• T3F (Twist 3 Front): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 1 stitch, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle. This creates a left-leaning twist.
• Twisted 1 x 1 Rib: Worked over 15 stitches, alternating knit-through-back-loop and purl stitches to create a textured, elastic ribbing suitable for cuffs and edges.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used in areas where the cable pattern cannot be fully worked due to increases or decreases.
• Garter Stitch: Employed as a substitute stitch in sections where cable crosses are not possible.
• K2tog and K3tog: Knit 2 together and knit 3 together decreases used to shape the garment.

The Cable Stitch Pattern alternates between knit rows, purl rows, and rows featuring the cable and twist maneuvers, creating a complex 14-row repeat that produces the signature textured appearance of the finished cardigan.

Materials

The Courtney cardigan is knitted using Stacy Charles Fine Yarns NEW JERSEY, a premium yarn composed of 100% Virgin Merino Wool. The yarn is supplied in balls weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) each, with each ball providing 89 yards (82 meters) of yardage. The pattern calls for 13 to 18 balls depending on size, with the sample shown in color #207 Cream. Knitters will need one size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) or the size required to obtain the specified gauge. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn for holding stitches, and a cable needle for executing the cable and twist stitches. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when working the Cable Stitch pattern in blocked condition.