Twist Collective Bette Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Bette Cardigan

What is Being Made

Bette is a classic cardigan sweater designed by Kate Gilbert, available in six sizes ranging from 36 ½ inches to 54 inches bust measurement. This versatile garment features a V-neck construction and is designed to be worn with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The pattern notes that the cardigan can be styled with buttons positioned at the back for a contemporary look, or alternatively buttoned at the front for a traditional V-neck cardigan appearance. The finished length ranges from 21 ½ inches to 25 inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

Bette is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, which means knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. The body of the sweater is knit in one continuous piece worked flat on circular needles, eliminating the need for multiple seaming sections on the main body. The sleeves are knit separately and then sewn into place using a tapestry needle, a traditional seaming technique that creates neat, finished armholes. This construction method provides excellent shaping control and allows for precise fit adjustments throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in Bette is the Eyelet Rib Pattern, which combines knit and purl stitches with yarn overs to create an openwork texture. The pattern repeat is established as * P2, k3; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2 on the right side, with the corresponding wrong-side rows worked as K2, * p3, k2; rep from * to end. An important note for knitters is that the stitch count within the Eyelet Rib Pattern changes from row to row, with stitches being decreased in Row 1 and then added back in Row 2. Knitters are advised to count stitches after Rows 2, 3, or 4 only to ensure accurate stitch counts. Additional stitch techniques include yarn overs for the eyelet details and standard armhole and neck shaping decreases.

Materials

• Yarn: Juniper Moon Farm Zooey, a blend of 60% cotton and 40% linen, providing a breathable, natural fiber construction ideal for a cardigan. Each hank contains 284 yards (260 meters) and weighs 3 ½ ounces (100 grams). The pattern requires 4 to 7 hanks depending on size, with larger sizes requiring 6 to 7 hanks.
• Needles: Size 5 US (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) in length, with the specific length depending on bust size. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge for their yarn.
• Notions: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping sections, a tapestry needle for seaming the sleeves and finishing, and 12 buttons measuring 7/16 inch (11 mm) in diameter. Thread matching the yarn color is needed for button attachment.

Pattern Details

The Bette cardigan begins with casting on 217 to 317 stitches depending on size, with the body worked flat in the Eyelet Rib Pattern for 12 rows before armhole and neck shaping begin. The pattern provides detailed instructions for shaping the right back, left back, and front sections separately, with specific guidance for different sizes. Notably, for sizes 40 inches and 43 ½ inches bust, neck shaping begins before armhole shaping is complete, requiring knitters to read ahead in the pattern for accurate construction. The cardigan features a sophisticated design that allows for creative styling options, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.