Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Flatiron Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Flatiron Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Flatiron Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a finished bust measurement of 35 to 55½ inches and a length of 22½ to 26 inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, meaning the pieces are worked from the lower edge upward. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier shaping and construction. Individual pieces are then seamed together to create the finished cardigan. The design incorporates a classic striped pattern that runs throughout the body of the garment, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished piece.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch used in the Flatiron Cardigan is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit side and a bumpy purl side. This stitch is worked by knitting all stitches on the right side rows and purling all stitches on the wrong side rows. The Stripe Pattern is created by alternating two rows of color B with two rows of color A throughout the body of the cardigan, establishing a consistent repeating stripe sequence.

The front bands and neckband are finished with K1, P1 ribbing, a fundamental knit and purl rib pattern that provides elasticity and a refined edge. This ribbing is worked by alternating single knit stitches with single purl stitches across the row, then maintaining the established stitch pattern in subsequent rows by knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches as they face you.

Shaping and Construction

The cardigan features carefully planned shaping at the armholes, neckline, and shoulders. Armhole shaping is accomplished through strategic bind-offs and decreases that vary by size, creating a fitted sleeve cap. Neck shaping involves binding off a group of stitches once, then decreasing one stitch at the neck edge every other row to create a gentle slope. Shoulder shaping uses bind-offs to create the top of the garment, with the final stitches bound off to complete the piece.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Flatiron Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns LUNA, a luxurious blend consisting of 71% super kid mohair, 20% silk, and 9% lurex. This yarn composition creates a soft, shimmering fabric with excellent drape. The yardage per ball is 232 yards (212.5 meters) with each ball weighing 0.88 ounces (25 grams).

The pattern calls for two colors: color #08 milky way (A) for the primary color and color #23 stormy skies (B) for the stripe contrast. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 to 4 balls of the milky way colorway and 2 to 4 balls of the stormy skies colorway, depending on the finished size.

Needles and Gauge

The cardigan is worked on size 5 (3.75mm) needles for the main body pieces to achieve the correct gauge. A smaller needle size, size 4 (3.5mm) needles, is used specifically for the front bands and neckband, creating a tighter, more refined edge that frames the cardigan.

The pattern gauge is 23 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch when worked on the larger needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to take time to check their gauge before beginning the project.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a stitch holder for temporarily holding stitches during construction and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together and weaving in ends.