Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Stanton Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Stanton Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Stanton Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Irina Poludnenko. This garment is constructed as a classic button-front cardigan available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished chest measurements from 40 to 56 inches and a length to shoulder between 26 and 28 inches. The cardigan features a structured silhouette with shaping at the waist, armholes, and shoulders, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Stanton Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and fit:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a more intuitive building process.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are worked on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, creating seamed sections that are joined together.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces—front panels, back, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then seamed together using a yarn needle, providing clean, durable seams.
• Shaping Techniques: The pattern incorporates increases and decreases to create waist shaping, armhole curves, and neck shaping. Increases are worked using the Kfb (knit into front then back) method, while decreases shape the neckline and armholes for proper fit.
• Cable Details: The pattern includes cable stitching, adding textural interest and visual depth to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The Stanton Cardigan primarily utilizes two main stitch patterns:

• K1, P1 Rib: This fundamental ribbed stitch pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in every row, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and recovery. The rib pattern is used throughout the cardigan, including the button band, cuffs, and body sections, contributing to both structure and comfort.
• Rib Pattern Variation: A modified rib pattern is also employed, worked by knitting into the stitch below rather than the stitch on the needle in certain rows, creating additional texture and visual interest while maintaining the elastic properties of ribbing.
• Cable Stitches: While specific cable stitch details are referenced in the pattern structure, cables add dimensional texture and are a hallmark technique of this intermediate-level design.

Materials

The Stanton Cardigan is designed to be knitted with high-quality materials that ensure both comfort and durability:

• Yarn: The pattern calls for Stacy Charles S Line BIOMERINO NUAGE, a luxurious 100% extrafine merino wool. Yardage requirements range from 14 to 20 balls depending on size, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 120 yards (110 meters). The recommended color is #6089 gravel, a neutral tone suitable for versatile styling. Merino wool provides natural breathability, temperature regulation, and softness against the skin.
• Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles—size 7 (4.5mm) needles for the main body and size 5 (3.75mm) needles for ribbed sections. The size 7 needles are used to achieve the primary gauge, while the smaller needles create tighter ribbing for cuffs and bands.
• Notions: Six 1-inch buttons are required for the front closure, and a yarn needle is needed for seaming the finished pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working in the Rib Pattern on size 7 (4.5mm) needles. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the cardigan to ensure their finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Pattern Structure

The Stanton Cardigan is constructed in separate pieces that are later seamed together. The right front begins with a cast-on of 55 to 75 stitches depending on size, worked in K1, P1 Rib for 2½ inches before transitioning to the main pattern. The pattern includes