Thirlby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Thirlby Cardigan in Juniper Moon Herriot

What is Being Made

The Thirlby Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan designed by Pamela Wynne as part of the Novi Collection from Juniper Moon Farm. This knitted garment is available in seven sizes ranging from extra-small to 3X, with a finished bust measurement from 32 inches to 56 inches and a consistent length of 28¾ inches. The cardigan features a timeless construction suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The cardigan begins with a German Twisted cast-on, which creates a secure and elastic edge. The construction involves wraps and pick-ups, where knitters pick up wraps when encountering them and knit them together with the wrapped stitch for a refined finish. The pattern includes armhole shaping and neck edge shaping to create a well-fitted garment. The design utilizes both flat knitting on circular needles and small-diameter circular or double-pointed needles for various sections, demonstrating versatility in construction methods.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Thirlby Cardigan primarily features Stockinette stitch as the main fabric, which creates a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern begins with a ribbed edge worked in alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 ribbing), providing elasticity and structure at the lower edge. The pattern incorporates standard shaping techniques including knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases for armhole and neck shaping. Yarn overs (yo) may be used for decorative or structural elements. The pattern uses slip markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Thirlby Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Juniper Moon Farm Herriot yarn. The main color (MC) is Dark Harbor (color #1003), with quantities ranging from 6 hanks for the smallest size to 10 hanks for the largest size. A contrast color (CC) of Yellow Heather (color #1014) is used in a single hank, adding a subtle accent to the design.

The pattern requires two sets of needles: US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches paired with a set of five double-pointed needles in the same size for the main knitting, and US 3 (3.25mm) circular needles also measuring 32 inches with a matching set of double-pointed needles for ribbing and other sections requiring a smaller gauge. Knitters should select needle sizes based on achieving the specified gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch after blocking.

Additional Notions and Finishing

The pattern calls for seven ½-inch buttons for the button-front closure, along with essential finishing tools including a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern progress throughout construction.