Swans Island Everly Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Everly Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Everly is a seamless, bottom-up cardigan designed by Quenna Lee and published as Swans Island Pattern No. 222. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in seven sizes, ranging from extra-small to 3X-large, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches to 53½ inches and finished lengths from 22¾ inches to 24¾ inches. The cardigan is knitted primarily in stockinette stitch with textured ribbing details, creating a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Everly cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its seamless construction and refined fit. The garment is worked flat on circular needles for the body sections, then worked in the round for other components, combining these methods in a single project. The cardigan is constructed using the bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. Short-row shaping with wrap-and-turn techniques is incorporated to create custom shoulder and bust shaping without the need for seams. The pattern utilizes a 3-needle bind-off for joining finished edges together seamlessly, eliminating the need for traditional seaming while maintaining a professional appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Everly cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a refined appearance. Stockinette stitch is worked by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. The pattern incorporates two textured ribbing variations for contrast and visual interest. Broken Rib, worked over a multiple of three stitches plus two, alternates knit and purl stitches in a staggered pattern across rows. Moss Rib, worked over a multiple of four stitches, creates a more pronounced textured surface by alternating single purl and three-knit stitches in a checkerboard-like pattern. These ribbing stitches add elasticity and definition to specific areas of the garment.

Materials and Gauge

The Everly cardigan is designed to be knitted with Swans Island Washable Wool Collection, a 100% fine merino wool yarn treated with Ecowash® for easy care. This sport-weight yarn comes in 100-gram skeins with 360 yards per skein. The pattern requires 3 to 4 skeins depending on the size selected, with the sample shown in size small using the Edgecomb Grey colorway (WS124). Knitting is worked on US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 29 inches in length, along with a US size 7 (4.5mm) set of double-pointed needles for smaller circumference sections. Additional notions include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a yarn needle for finishing. The pattern calls for a gauge of 5¼ stitches and 8 rows per 1 inch (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the desired fit, making a gauge swatch a crucial step before beginning the project.