Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Sienna Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Sienna Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Sienna Cardigan is a classic five-button cardigan sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This easy-level knitting project is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 36½ inches to 52¼ inches. The cardigan features a comfortable fit with 2–4 inches of positive ease and lengths ranging from 20½ to 23½ inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Techniques Used

The Sienna Cardigan is constructed using the bottom-up method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is a traditional approach for cardigan construction. This technique allows for straightforward shaping and buttonband placement. The cardigan includes standard shaping techniques such as shoulder bind-offs to create proper garment structure and fit.

Stitches Used

The Sienna Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an easy-level project:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – Forms the main body fabric, creating a smooth, classic appearance
• K2, P2 Rib – Used for the ribbed cuffs, waistband, and neckband sections to provide elasticity and a finished edge
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Purl 2 Together (P2tog) – A decrease worked on purl stitches
• Slip, Slip, Knit (Ssk) – A left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Make 1 Left (M1L) – An increase technique that lifts the strand between stitches to add stitches without creating visible holes

Materials and Gauge

The Sienna Cardigan is knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns GEMMA, a sustainable blend composed of 63% recycled cotton, 27% recycled polyester, and 10% polyamide. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 137 yards (125 meters) of yarn. The yardage requirement ranges from 8 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the 2X size. The pattern calls for US size 9 (5.5mm) needles for the body and a US size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100cm) long for working the neckband.

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in Stockinette stitch when blocked, and 22½ stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in K2, P2 Rib. Additional materials required include stitch markers, a yarn needle for finishing, and five buttons measuring 1 inch (25mm) in diameter.

Pattern Overview

The back panel begins with a cast-on of 90 to 130 stitches depending on size. The lower edge is worked in K2, P2 Rib for 4 inches to create an elastic waistband. The body then transitions to Stockinette stitch and continues until the piece reaches approximately 14 to 15½ inches in length. The pattern then returns to K2, P2 Rib for the upper body section, continuing until the total length reaches 19 to 22 inches. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic bind-offs at the beginning of right-side rows, with varying stitch counts across the five sizes to ensure proper fit and garment structure.