SweetGeorgia Nest Cardigan Knitting Pattern

SweetGeorgia Nest Cardigan: Top-Down Cable Knit Design

What is Being Made

The Nest Cardigan is a sophisticated top-down cardigan featuring distinctive nest-like cable motifs worked continuously across the front and back of the body. This design by Christina Harris offers a seamless construction approach with set-in, ¾-length sleeves, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for intermediate knitters. The finished garment is available in 11 sizes ranging from 30" to 50" chest circumference, with corresponding lengths from 19¾" to 26¼".

Construction Techniques

The Nest Cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its refined silhouette:

• Top-Down Construction: The sweater is worked from the top down, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust the final length to personal preference.
• Worked Flat (Back and Forth): Rather than working in the round, this cardigan is constructed flat on circular needles, which accommodates the front button bands and allows for easier cable placement.
• Short Row Shaping: Strategic short rows shape both the shoulder area and the tops of the sleeves, creating a custom fit that follows the natural contours of the body.
• Set-In Sleeves: The ¾-length sleeves are set into the armholes, providing a tailored, fitted appearance rather than a drop-shoulder style.
• Cable Work: Continuous cable patterns form the signature nest motif on both the front and back panels, requiring cable needle manipulation and pattern chart reading.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Nest Cardigan combines foundational and decorative stitches to create visual interest and texture:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric base, worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) on US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.
• Cable Stitches: Nest-like cable patterns are charted and worked using a cable needle to cross stitches, creating the three-dimensional twisted texture that defines this design. Chart A is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) on US 7 / 4.5 mm needles when blocked.
• Cast-On Variations: The pattern includes both a backwards loop cast on for general construction and a cable cast on technique specifically used for creating buttonholes, adding both structural and decorative elements.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Nest Cardigan is designed to be worked in SweetGeorgia Trinity Worsted, a premium yarn blend offering both luxury and durability. The yarn composition includes 70% superwash merino wool, 20% cashmere, and 10% silk, creating a soft, lustrous fabric with excellent stitch definition ideal for showcasing cable work. Each skein provides 200 yards (182 meters) and weighs 4 ounces (115 grams). Yardage requirements range from 800 yards (4 skeins) for the smallest size to 1,600 yards (8 skeins) for the largest size, allowing knitters to select the appropriate quantity based on their chosen size.

Needles and Notions

Successful completion of the Nest Cardigan requires specific needle sizes and additional supplies:

• Primary Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles in both 16-inch (40 cm) and 32-inch (81 cm) lengths for working the body and sleeves.
• Secondary Needles: US 6 / 4 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) and a 32-inch (81 cm) circular needle for ribbing or other sections requiring a smaller gauge.
• Auxiliary Tools: A cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch markers (2 removable and 2 circular) for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
• Closure Hardware: Seven to ten buttons with a ¾-inch (20 mm) diameter for the front cardigan bands.
• Blocking Aids: Scrap yarn or extra circular needles for securing stitches during construction and blocking.