Swans Island Venus Cardi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Venus Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Swans Island Venus Cardigan is a classic, easy-level knit cardigan designed for everyday wear. This garment features a stunningly simple design that serves as a versatile wardrobe staple. The cardigan is knit in three pieces and finished with a ribbed neck detail. The front can be worn draped gracefully open or fastened with a special pin, offering styling flexibility. The finished dimensions range from 32 inches to 52½ inches in bust circumference, with lengths varying from 21½ inches to 23¼ inches depending on size, accommodating sizes XS through XXL.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs a bottom-up seamed construction method, meaning the pieces are knit from the bottom edge upward and then sewn together. The three-piece construction consists of a back panel and two front panels that are individually knit before being assembled. The pattern utilizes the three-needle bind-off method for finishing, which joins two pieces of knitting together while binding off simultaneously, creating a strong, professional seam. This technique is particularly useful for attaching ribbed neckbands and joining shoulder seams.

Stitches Used

The Venus Cardigan features straightforward stitch work suitable for knitters of all skill levels. The primary stitch throughout the garment is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the body of the cardigan. Stockinette stitch is worked by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side when working back and forth in rows. The neck detail is finished with a 2 x 2 ribbed band, which alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches in a repeating pattern. This ribbing creates elasticity and helps the neckline maintain its shape. The pattern also incorporates standard shaping techniques including increases (make-one method) and decreases (slip-slip-knit and knit-two-together variations) to create the garment's silhouette.

Materials and Tools

The Venus Cardigan is knit with Swans Island Washable Wool in DK weight, specifically 100% washable organic merino wool. The yardage requirement ranges from 9 to 13 skeins depending on size, with each skein containing 50 grams and 140 yards. The item shown in the pattern is knit in the colorway Dove (EWS202). Needles required include US size 4 (3.5mm) double-pointed needles for the ribbed sections and US size 6 (4mm) needles, including a 40-inch circular needle and a set of five double-pointed needles for the main body. Additional tools include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 5½ stitches by 8 rounds per 1 inch in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, making accurate gauge checking essential for achieving proper fit.

Design Details

Designed by Stacey McCrea Warner, the Venus Cardigan is classified as an Easy-level pattern, making it accessible to knitters with basic skills. The pattern encourages makers to consider knitting the design in multiple colorways, as the simple, classic construction allows the yarn color to be the primary design feature. The washable organic merino wool provides both comfort and practicality, as the fiber can be machine washed, making this cardigan a low-maintenance everyday piece. The overlapped front closure and optional pin fastening add a touch of sophistication while maintaining the garment's effortless aesthetic.