Swans Island Natalie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Natalie Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Natalie Cardigan is a classic, wardrobe staple cardigan designed by Stacey McCrea Warner. This intermediate-level knitting project features a timeless silhouette modeled after a beloved vintage basic. The cardigan is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, with finished bust circumferences from 32¼ inches to 55 inches. It is finished with one vintage button and designed to be worn buttoned or open as a layering piece.

Knitting Techniques

The Natalie Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together at the seams. A distinctive design feature is the twisted rib construction that creates a gentle shawl collar worked in as you go, which minimizes finishing work at the end of the project. This integrated collar approach streamlines the finishing process while creating a refined neckline.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the cardigan body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Seed Stitch – used for textural elements, worked flat in rows as a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, alternating knit and purl stitches
• Twisted Rib – the specialized construction method for the shawl collar
• Kitchener Stitch – used for grafting live stitches together with an invisible seam, including a specialized version for seed stitch
• Standard decreases including k2tog (knit 2 together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit)
• Increases using m1 (make 1) technique

Materials

The Natalie Cardigan is knitted with Swans Island Natural Colors 100% Organic Merino Wool in worsted weight. The yarn comes in skeins of 100 grams and 250 yards each. The pattern requires 5 to 7 skeins depending on size, with the sample photographed in color Tarragon (color code YW223).

Needles required include US Size 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles and double-pointed needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers, stitch holders, a yarn needle for finishing, and one 1¼-inch button.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5¼ stitches by 6¾ rows over 1 inch in Stockinette Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is emphasized as essential for achieving the desired fit across all seven sizes.