Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Rose Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Rose Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Rose Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This knitted garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 36½ inches (92.5 cm) to 53¾ inches (136.5 cm) and lengths from 18 to 22 inches (45.5 to 56 cm). The cardigan features a structured fit with ribbed edging and is fastened with seven ¾-inch diameter buttons.

Techniques Used

This advanced beginner knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to create a polished, wearable garment. The construction begins with a cast-on foundation and progresses through ribbed edging to create a neat, elastic border. Knitters will practice gauge checking, an essential skill for achieving proper fit and drape. The pattern incorporates shaping techniques including strategic decreases at the neckline and shoulders to create the cardigan's structured silhouette. Stitch markers and stitch holders are used throughout to track pattern placement and preserve stitches during construction. The finishing process involves binding off stitches and attaching seven buttons to complete the front closure.

Stitches Used

• K2, P2 Rib: A fundamental ribbed stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2. This stitch alternates knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns that provide elasticity and structure. The ribbing is worked for 24 rows at the lower edge of the back and front pieces.
• Ridge Stitch Pattern: The primary stitch pattern used for the main body of the cardigan. This eight-row repeat alternates between knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a textured, reversible fabric with subtle horizontal ridges. The pattern provides visual interest while remaining accessible for advanced beginner knitters.
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping the neckline and shoulders. This stitch is worked by inserting the needle through two stitches simultaneously and knitting them together as one.

Materials

The Rose Cardigan is knitted using Stacy Charles Fine Yarns TINA, a premium yarn composed of 90% extra fine merino and 10% polyamide. This fiber blend combines the softness and breathability of merino wool with the durability and shape retention of polyamide. The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls (1.75 ounces) with 165 yards (154 meters) per ball. The pattern requires 8 to 12 balls depending on the finished size, with color Y6629 bonfire specified for this design.

Construction requires US size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles for the main body pieces and a US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (61 cm) for the neckband. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Ridge Stitch pattern. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for preserving stitches during shaping, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and seven buttons measuring ¾ inch (20 mm) in diameter for the front closure.