Thirlby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Thirlby Cardigan by Pamela Wynne

What is Being Made

The Thirlby Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan from the Novi Collection, designed by Pamela Wynne. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with a finished bust measurement spanning from 32 inches (81.5cm) to 56 inches (142cm). The cardigan features a finished length of 28¾ inches (73cm), making it a standard-length layering piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

This cardigan incorporates several intermediate knitting techniques that build on foundational skills. The pattern begins with a German Twisted cast-on, which creates a neat, elastic edge ideal for ribbed sections. The construction involves working in the round using circular needles, followed by strategic shaping at the armholes and neckline. Knitters will practice picking up wraps during short-row shaping, a technique used to create smooth transitions and proper fit. The pattern also includes increasing and decreasing stitches to shape the garment at side seams and neck edges, with specific attention to maintaining stitch counts across multiple sizes.

Stitches Used

The Thirlby Cardigan relies on a limited but essential stitch vocabulary. The primary stitch is Stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which creates the smooth, classic fabric that forms the body of the cardigan. The ribbing at the lower edge and cuffs uses 1×1 ribbing, an alternating pattern of knit and purl stitches that provides elasticity and definition. Additional stitches include knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) for decreasing, and yarn over (yo) for creating buttonholes and increases. The pattern also utilizes slip stitches for moving stitches between needles and managing stitch markers.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Thirlby Cardigan is designed to be knit with Juniper Moon Farm Herriot, a premium yarn that creates a refined fabric with excellent stitch definition. The project requires 6 to 10 hanks of the main color (MC) in color #1003 Dark Harbor, depending on the size being knitted, plus 1 hank of color #1014 Yellow Heather for contrast color (CC) accents. The pattern calls for two sets of needles: US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80cm) and a set of five double-pointed needles for the main gauge, and US 3 (3.25mm) circular and double-pointed needles (one size smaller) for the ribbed sections. The specified gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in Stockinette stitch after blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, and seven ½-inch (1.5cm) buttons for the front closure.