Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Patricia Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Patricia Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Patricia is an easy-level cardigan designed by Susan Mills, offered in six sizes ranging from XS to 2X. This knitted cardigan features a classic construction with a fitted silhouette, measuring 20½ to 25 inches in length depending on size, with bust measurements from 30¾ inches (XS) to 51¾ inches (2X). The cardigan includes a ribbed collar and is constructed with a structured neckline shaping for a polished finish.

Construction Technique

The Patricia cardigan is worked flat using a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted separately from the bottom edge upward, then assembled together with seams. This traditional method allows for precise shaping and control over fit. The body is worked in one piece initially, with the front and back panels shaped during knitting before being seamed. This approach is ideal for achieving clean, professional-looking seams and ensuring proper garment structure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Patricia employs two primary stitch patterns throughout its construction:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The main fabric stitch worked in rows on the flat sections. This classic stitch is created by knitting all stitches on the right side rows and purling all stitches on the wrong side rows, producing the smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of traditional knitwear.
• K2, P2 Rib – Used for the collar and ribbed edgings. This reversible rib pattern alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches, creating vertical columns of texture that provide elasticity and a refined finish. The rib is worked both in rows (for flat sections) and in the round (for circular needle sections).

The cardigan features strategic shaping including armhole decreases and neck shaping with both row-by-row decreases and periodic decreases every four rows, depending on size, to create a tailored neckline.

Materials and Tools

The Patricia is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns BIO ONDE, a 100% organic cotton yarn in the colorway #0082 blue lagoon. The yardage required ranges from 6 to 11 balls (approximately 984 to 1,804 yards total, depending on size), with each ball containing 1.75 ounces and 164 yards.

The pattern calls for size 4 (3.5 mm) needles in multiple configurations: one 40-inch circular needle for the main body work, one 16-inch circular needle for smaller circumference sections, and one set of size 4 double-pointed needles for ribbing and other detailed work. Additional supplies include stitch markers, spare circular needles or long stitch holders for managing stitches, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 31 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure carefully before beginning the project.