Trendsetter Yarns Me & Dune Cardigan Crochet Pattern

ME & DUNE SLIP STITCH V-NECK CARDIGAN

What is Being Made

The ME & DUNE Slip Stitch V-Neck Cardigan is a structured cardigan designed by Barry Klein for Trendsetter Yarns. This garment features a classic V-neckline and is constructed using a combination of knit and slip stitch techniques to create visual texture and color interest. The cardigan is available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 36, 42, and 48 inches, with finished sizing including 3 inches of positive ease for a comfortable fit.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the piece is knitted from the cast-on edge upward. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together after completion. The slip stitch patterning is a key design element that creates a textured, striped appearance throughout the body of the cardigan.

The construction involves careful yarn management, as two yarns are carried up the sides of the work during color changes. The pattern instructions emphasize carrying yarns carefully without cutting them between stripes, which maintains structural integrity and reduces finishing work. The front pieces are worked simultaneously using separate skeins to ensure pattern matching across both sides of the V-neckline.

Stitches Used

• Slip Stitch (Slip St.): The primary decorative stitch used to create the patterned sections. Slip stitches are worked with yarn held either in back (Wyib) or in front (Wyif) to create a distinctive textured effect.
• Knit Stitch: Used for the foundational rows and stockinette sections of the pattern.
• Purl Stitch: Incorporated on wrong-side rows to maintain proper fabric structure.

The slip stitch pattern repeats over an 8-row sequence. Rows 1 and 2 are worked entirely in knit stitch with the main color. Row 3 (right side) alternates between knit 8 stitches and slip 2 stitches with yarn in back. Row 4 (wrong side) mirrors this pattern with purl stitches and slip stitches with yarn in front. Rows 5 and 6 return to knit stitch, while Rows 7 and 8 repeat the slip stitch pattern with a different offset to create the overall design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The cardigan is constructed using two complementary Trendsetter Yarns products:

• Main Color (MC): Me yarn in colorway #325, with yardage of 5, 6, or 7 units per 100 grams depending on size
• Contrast Color (CC): Dune yarn in colorway #88, with yardage of 5, 6, or 7 units per 50 grams depending on size

The pattern is worked on #13 U.S. needles. The recommended gauge is 11 stitches and the appropriate row gauge measured over 4 inches using the #13 needles with both yarns held together in the slip stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished bust measurements and overall garment proportions.

Construction Overview

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 48, 58, or 68 stitches depending on size. After knitting one row with the main color, the contrast color is joined and the slip stitch pattern begins. The back is worked in pattern until reaching 14½, 15, or 15 inches from the cast-on edge. Armhole shaping is then introduced by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by decreasing one stitch at each end every other row to shape the armholes. The armhole depth measures 9, 9½, or 10 inches before binding off all remaining stitches.

The front pieces are worked simultaneously using separate skeins of yarn to maintain consistent pattern alignment across the V-neckline. This simultaneous construction method ensures that both front pieces match perfectly when seamed together, creating a symmetrical and professional-looking garment.