Twist Collective MacGregor Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective MacGregor Cardigan

What is Being Made

The MacGregor is a classic cardigan designed by Elizabeth A. Decker, offered in five finished bust sizes ranging from 34" to 54" (86.5 to 137 cm) with corresponding lengths from 22" to 24" (56 to 61 cm). This garment is intended to be worn with 2–4" (5–10 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The cardigan features decorative lace patterning along the center fronts that creates functional buttonholes, eliminating the need for separate buttonhole construction.

Construction Techniques

The MacGregor cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach. Individual pieces—the back, left front, and right front—are knitted separately from the cast-on edge upward, then seamed together upon completion. This method allows for precise shaping and easier adjustments during the knitting process. The lace patterns are integrated into the fronts during the initial knitting rather than added afterward, creating a seamless design element.

The garment uses a seamed construction, meaning all pieces are joined together using a sewing needle and yarn after knitting is complete. This traditional approach provides structure and durability to the finished cardigan.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The MacGregor incorporates several key stitches and stitch patterns:

• K1, P1 Rib (worked over an odd number of stitches): This alternating knit and purl pattern creates the ribbed edging and helps define the garment's structure. The rib is worked as follows: on wrong-side rows, purl 1 then knit 1 across to the final stitch, which is purled; on right-side rows, knit 1 then purl 1 across to the final stitch, which is knitted.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Used for the main body sections between the lace pattern areas, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Lace Patterns: The MacGregor features two distinct lace charts—Chart A for the back and Chart B for the left front. These charts are worked in pattern rows, with Rows 17–24 repeated throughout the length of the garment. The lace patterns along the center fronts serve the dual purpose of decoration and functional buttonhole creation, eliminating the need for additional finishing steps.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The suggested yarn is SweetGeorgia Yarns Superwash Worsted, a 100% Superwash Merino fiber with 200 yards (182 meters) per 4 oz (115 g) hank. Five to eight hanks are required depending on the size being knitted, with the sample shown (size 44" / 112 cm) using 5 hanks in the Mulberry colorway.

Needles and Notions: Size 7 US (4.5 mm) needles are used for the main knitting, with the recommendation to adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, removable markers to indicate important shaping points such as armhole placement, stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, a sewing needle for seaming the finished pieces together, and three 5/8" (15 mm) buttons for the cardigan closure.

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. Knitters should swatch with their chosen yarn and needles to verify gauge before beginning the project, adjusting needle size as needed to match the pattern's requirements.