Striped Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Striped Cardigan in Noro Tennen

What Is Being Made

This is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan featuring striped colorwork. The garment is sized for X-Small through X-Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 32½ inches (82.5 cm) to 50 inches (127 cm). The cardigan length varies from 26½ inches (67.5 cm) to 28½ inches (72.5 cm) depending on size, and the upper arm circumference ranges from 11¼ inches (28.5 cm) to 15½ inches (39.5 cm). This is a classic button-front cardigan construction suitable for intermediate knitters who have experience with basic shaping and colorwork techniques.

Techniques Used

The Striped Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. Casting on forms the foundation row by creating the initial loops on the knitting needle. Increases add stitches to rows using methods such as knitting into the front and back of a stitch or making one stitch by lifting the strand between stitches. Decreases reduce stitch counts through techniques like knitting two together or purling two together. The pattern uses ribbing for structural elements, particularly at the bind-off edge where the rib pattern is maintained by knitting knit stitches and purling purl stitches as you cast off. Stitch markers help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction. The pattern incorporates pick up and knit techniques for adding stitches along finished edges, and uses chart reading with "no stitch" indicators showing where stitches have been decreased or not yet created.

Stitches Used

The cardigan is constructed primarily using knit and purl stitches, which form the foundation of the fabric. Ribbing appears in the pattern, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in vertical columns for elasticity and structure. The pattern employs selvage stitches at the edges to create clean, easy-to-seam edges. Shaping is achieved through increases (knit in front and back, make one, and make one purl stitch variations) and decreases (knit two together, purl two together). The striped colorwork is created by working with two colors of yarn in sequence, switching between color A and color B across rows to build the striped pattern.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Noro Tennen yarn, a premium natural fiber option. The yardage requirements vary by size: X-Small and Small require 4 hanks of Noro Tennen in colorway #24 (color A), while Medium, Large, and X-Large require 5, 6, and 6 hanks respectively. All sizes require 1 additional hank of Noro Tennen in colorway #53 (color B) for the striped contrast. Each hank weighs 100 grams.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US 8/5mm needles in two configurations. You will need one pair of straight or double-pointed US 8/5mm needles for flat sections, and one US 8/5mm circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) long for working larger circumference sections. The needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and contrasting yarn or purchased stitch markers for marking important points in the construction.