Sycamore Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sycamore Cardigan in Berroco Remix

What is Being Made

The Sycamore Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is available in 11 sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 72 inches in finished bust measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure and is designed to be worn with positive ease for comfortable, relaxed styling. Finished lengths range from approximately 19 inches to 23 inches, offering versatility in coverage and silhouette.

Construction Method

The Sycamore Cardigan employs an efficient one-piece construction technique. The garment is knitted from the hem upward to the armholes as a single continuous piece, which minimizes seaming and creates a seamless body. At the armholes, the piece is divided to create separate sections for the front and back panels. The shoulders are then sewn together using traditional seaming methods. Sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and worked downward in the round, a technique that creates a smooth, professional finish. The button band is picked up and worked in the finishing stages, ensuring a neat and properly proportioned front closure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Sycamore Cardigan is Mesh stitch, which creates an open, textured fabric with visual interest. The cardigan also features a Lace Chain Panel as a decorative element, measuring 10 stitches in width and approximately 2½ inches wide when worked. These stitch patterns combine to create a sophisticated, refined aesthetic suitable for intermediate knitters who are comfortable working with lace and textured stitches.

Yarn and Materials

The Sycamore Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Berroco Remix, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for #3901 Birch colorway, and yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 balls for the smallest size to 9 balls for the largest size. This yarn weight and fiber content are specifically chosen to work with the stitch patterns and construction methods outlined in the pattern.

Needles and Tools

The Sycamore Cardigan requires two sizes of circular needles to accommodate the stitch patterns and construction. Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches in length are used for ribbed or tighter sections, while size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles of the same length are used for the main fabric. Both sizes are also needed as double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles for working the sleeves in the round. Additional notions include removable stitch markers in two different colors for tracking side seam placement, and four 5⁄8-inch buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches in Mesh stitch using the larger (size 9) needles. The Lace Chain Panel measures 2½ inches wide across its 10-stitch width. Gauge is measured after blocking, making it essential to block your swatch before beginning the project to ensure accurate finished measurements. Checking gauge before starting is strongly recommended to achieve the intended finished bust measurements and overall garment proportions.

Sizing and Fit

The Sycamore Cardigan is offered in 11 sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches to 72 inches. The pattern recommends approximately 2 to 8 inches of positive ease, allowing knitters to customize the fit based on personal preference. The sample shown in the pattern is Size 4 (44 inches finished bust) and was modeled with 6 inches of positive ease, demonstrating how the cardigan drapes and fits when worn with comfortable room to move.