Trendsetter Yarns B Holika Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Trendsetter Yarns B Holika Ribbed Box Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Trendsetter Yarns B Holika Ribbed Box Cardigan is a classic box-cut cardigan designed by Barry Klein. This garment features a relaxed, boxy silhouette with a finished size approximately 3 inches larger than the wearer's bust measurement. Available in five sizes ranging from Small (33 inches) to 1X (49 inches), this cardigan is an ideal layering piece with a contemporary, structured fit.

Craft and Construction Method

This cardigan is created using knitting techniques and is constructed using the bottom-up, worked-flat, and seamed method. The garment is knitted in separate flat pieces—back panel and two front panels—and then seamed together. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and pattern placement throughout the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Holika Ribbed Box Cardigan employs three primary knitting stitches and stitch patterns:

• Large Rib Stitch (Lg. Rib St.): A classic 2x2 ribbed pattern created by alternating 2 purl stitches and 2 knit stitches. This stitch is worked at the lower edge of the garment to create elasticity and structure. Row 1 (right side) is worked as *P2, K2* repeated across, ending with P2. Row 2 (wrong side) reverses the pattern as *K2, P2* repeated, ending with K2.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev. Stock St.): This stitch creates a textured, bumpy surface by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side. Reverse stockinette stitch is used in alternating 9-stitch blocks throughout the cardigan body to create visual interest and dimension.
• Small Rib Stitch (Sm. Rib St.): A delicate 1x1 ribbed pattern alternating single knit and purl stitches. Row 1 (right side) is worked as *K1, P1* repeated, ending with K1. Row 2 (wrong side) is worked as *P1, K1* repeated. This stitch is interspersed with reverse stockinette in 9-stitch blocks to create the signature ribbed box pattern.

Pattern Structure and Techniques

The body of the cardigan features an alternating pattern structure that creates visual rhythm and texture. Section 1 alternates 9 stitches of reverse stockinette stitch with 9 stitches of small rib stitch, worked for 6 rows. Section 2 reverses this pattern, alternating 9 stitches of small rib stitch with 9 stitches of reverse stockinette stitch, also worked for 6 rows. These two sections are repeated alternately throughout the entire back and front pieces, creating a cohesive ribbed box pattern.

The cardigan begins with a 3-inch ribbed cuff worked in large rib stitch using smaller needles to create a fitted edge. Stitch counts are adjusted between the ribbed cuff and the patterned body sections to ensure proper gauge and fit. Armholes are created by binding off stitches at strategic points, with armhole depth ranging from 8 to 9 inches depending on size. The front pieces are worked simultaneously with reversed pattern placement to create mirror-image left and right fronts.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This cardigan is designed to be worked in Trendsetter Yarns Holika, a premium yarn available in the specified color number #1458. Yarn quantities vary by size: 5 skeins for Small, 6 skeins for Medium, 7 skeins for Large, 9 skeins for Extra Large, and 9 skeins for 1X, with each skein weighing 100 grams.

The pattern calls for US size #7 and #8 needles. Size #7 needles are used for the initial ribbed cuff section to create a tighter, more elastic edge. Size #8 needles are used for the main body sections worked in the alternating stitch patterns. The gauge is established at 18 stitches over 4 inches when working reverse stockinette stitch with the size #8 needle and Holika yarn, making this an important measurement for achieving the correct finished dimensions.