Twist Collective Sardonyx Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Sardonyx Cardigan: Knitted Cable Design

What Is Being Made

The Sardonyx is a relaxed-fit cardigan designed by Susanna IC and published by Twist Collective. Named after the protective gemstone valued by ancient Romans for symbolizing bravery, happiness, confidence, and optimism, this cardigan features an all-over cable pattern that creates richly textured fabric. The design is intended to be worn with draped open fronts and can be styled with a belt or secured with a shawl pin. The cardigan is available in eight sizes, ranging from 30 ½ inches to 68 inches in bust measurement, with a finished length of approximately 29 ½ to 32 inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

The Sardonyx cardigan employs a top-down construction method, with the body and sleeves worked flat in separate pieces before being seamed together. This approach allows for easy customization of garment length. The cardigan features modified drop shoulders that provide a comfortable, relaxed fit. Seaming is an essential structural element, as the seams provide necessary support for the dense cable fabric. After the shoulder seams are completed, stitches are picked up along the front and neckline edges to work the deep collar in garter stitch, creating a snug finish. The slip-stitch edge treatment—slipping the first stitch of every row purlwise with yarn in back on right-side rows and purlwise with yarn in front on wrong-side rows—creates a neat, finished appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch technique featured throughout the Sardonyx is cable knitting. The cable patterns are presented in chart form and are described as easy to work despite their intricate appearance. The cables create a reversible texture that looks great on both sides of the fabric. The rib-based cables are particularly functional, as they prevent the bottom edges of the body and sleeves from rolling, eliminating the need for special hem treatments. The garter stitch is used for the deep collar worked along the front edges and neckline after the main construction is complete. This combination of cables and garter stitch provides both visual interest and structural integrity to the finished garment.

Materials and Tools

The Sardonyx cardigan is worked using Berroco Vintage Chunky yarn, a blend of 52% acrylic, 40% wool, and 8% nylon. Each skein contains 138 yards (125 meters) and weighs 3 ½ ounces (100 grams). Depending on the size selected, the project requires between 10 and 21 skeins. The suggested color is #61181 Ruby Slip. Knitting needles required include Size 10 US (6.0 mm) needles for the main fabric and a Size 10 US (6.0 mm) circular needle measuring 48 inches (120 cm) long for working the collar. A Size 9 US (5.5 mm) needle is specified for the cuff edges. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF in chart form for the cable patterns.