Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Danielle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Danielle Cardigan by Stacy Charles Fine Yarns

What Is Being Made

The Danielle is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Susan Mills, available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X. This intermediate-level project features a bust measurement of 36 to 52 inches (90 to 130 cm) and a finished length between 20½ and 24½ inches (51 to 61 cm). The cardigan is worked in a timeless style suitable for everyday wear and layering.

Knitting Techniques

The Danielle cardigan employs several key construction techniques that define its structure and aesthetic:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: Pieces are worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, creating seams that are joined together later.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces—left front, right front, back, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• I-Cord Cast-On and Edging: The pattern uses an I-Cord cast-on method and attached I-Cord edging, which creates a refined, decorative finished edge along the front and neckline of the cardigan.
• Neck Extension: A neck extension is worked as a separate element, adding length and detail to the neckline area.

Stitches Used

The Danielle cardigan incorporates two primary stitches that work together to create visual interest and structure:

• Garter Stitch: Knit all stitches on every row. This stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. In this pattern, Garter Stitch is used for the lower body sections and the I-Cord edging, providing a sturdy, elastic fabric that frames the cardigan.
• Stockinette Stitch: Alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric with a polished appearance and is used for the main body of the cardigan above the Garter Stitch sections.
• I-Cord Edge: A special three-stitch I-Cord worked at the edges, created using a cable cast-on method variation. This technique produces a rounded, cord-like trim that prevents curling and adds a professional finish.

Materials and Tools

The Danielle cardigan is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns BIO MERINO, a 100% virgin wool yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 9 balls, Medium requires 10 balls, Large requires 11 balls, XL requires 13 balls, and 2X requires 14 balls. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 120 yards (110 meters) of yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in color #1596 Stone Grey.

Knitting needles required include one size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional tools include waste yarn or spare circular needles for holding stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge and Finishing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies that 20 stitches and 28 rows should measure 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in Stockinette Stitch and blocked. The I-Cord edge is incorporated into the stitch count as part of the overall gauge measurement. Taking time to check gauge before beginning ensures that your finished cardigan will fit as intended.