Twist Collective Nouveau Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Nouveau Cardigan by Shauna Shiff

What is Being Made

Nouveau is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Shauna Shiff and published by Twist Collective. This garment is a button-front cardigan available in ten sizes, ranging from 35 ¼ inches to 53 ¼ inches in bust measurement (89.5 cm to 135.5 cm). The cardigan features a tailored fit with a length of approximately 27 ¼ to 30 ¼ inches (69 to 77 cm), intended to be worn with 2 inches of ease for comfortable wear.

Techniques Used

Nouveau is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and stitch pattern integration. Once all pieces are completed, the cardigan is seamed together to create the finished garment. This traditional approach provides excellent control over fit and allows for precise cable placement, particularly when cables are worked on the wrong side as indicated in Chart C.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Nouveau cardigan incorporates several key stitch patterns to create visual interest and structure:

• Seed Stitch: A fundamental textured stitch that alternates knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. The pattern is worked differently depending on whether the stitch count is even or odd. For even-numbered stitches, Row 1 (RS) alternates *K1, p1* to the end, while Row 2 (WS) reverses this to *P1, k1*. For odd-numbered stitches, Row 1 (RS) works *K1, p1* and ends with k1, while Row 2 (WS) works *P1, k1* and ends with p1. Seed stitch provides a dense, reversible fabric with excellent drape.
• Cable Patterns: The cardigan features cable work indicated by Chart A and Chart C. These cables create vertical lines of twisted stitches that add dimension and sophistication to the design. Chart C specifically notes that cables are worked on the wrong side, requiring knitters to read the chart carefully and work stitches in reverse.
• Stockinette Stitch Elements: The pattern includes knit and purl combinations (k2, p4, k2, p2, k4, p2) that create a ribbed texture and help structure the garment.

Shaping and Construction Details

The cardigan incorporates strategic waist shaping to create a fitted silhouette. Decreases are worked using ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) techniques to reduce stitches symmetrically. The shaping begins with a decrease row worked every 4th row for three repetitions, followed by decreases every 6th row for eight repetitions. This gradual shaping creates a smooth, flattering waist without abrupt transitions.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Classic Elite Legend, a premium blend of 80% Merino and 20% Silk. This yarn is available in 1 ¾ ounce (50 gram) hanks, with each hank providing 109 yards (99.6 meters). The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 10 hanks for the smallest size to 16 hanks for the largest size, allowing knitters to select the appropriate quantity based on their chosen size.

Needles and Notions: The pattern specifies Size 7 US (4.5 mm) needles for working the cardigan. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions required include seven buttons measuring ½ inch (12 mm) wide, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, and a sewing needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Pattern Features

Stitch patterns in Nouveau may be worked from written text instructions or charted diagrams, providing flexibility for knitters with different preferences. The pattern includes detailed stitch guides that clearly explain how to execute both even and odd-stitch versions of seed stitch, ensuring accuracy regardless of the stitch count in specific sections. The combination of seed stitch borders with cable and textured stitch patterns creates a sophisticated, classic aesthetic suitable for a refined wardrobe.