Uma Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Uma Cardigan in Juniper Moon Sabine

What is Being Made

The Uma Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Tabetha Hedrick, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X. The finished bust measurements range from 34 inches (86.5 cm) for the smallest size to 55¾ inches (141.5 cm) for the largest size, with finished lengths varying from 24¾ inches (63 cm) to 29¼ inches (74.5 cm). This cardigan is intended to fit with 1 to 1½ inches (2.5 to 4 cm) of positive ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting garment suitable for layering.

Techniques Used

The Uma Cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create a polished, professional finish. A garter stitch selvedge edge is worked on the first and last stitch of every row to facilitate clean seaming. The pattern incorporates a Sloped Bind Off technique for shaping the sleeve cap, which creates a gradual, angled decrease that results in a smooth cap shaping. This method involves strategic turning of the work and passing stitches over one another across multiple rows, producing a refined shoulder line. The cardigan features a button band closure, with construction details that suggest a front-opening design.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch, used for the body and main sections of the cardigan
• K2P2 Rib: A knit-purl rib pattern using a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, alternating knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns of texture, likely used for cuffs or ribbed sections
• Buttonband Rib: A specialized rib pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches, featuring a slipped stitch edge and alternating knit and purl stitches, specifically designed for the button band closure
• Uma Cable Panel: A decorative cable panel measuring 2¾ inches (7 cm) in width, adding textural interest to the design
• Garter Stitch: Used as a selvedge edge (knitting the first and last stitch of every row) to create clean edges for seaming

Materials and Notions

The Uma Cardigan is knitted using Juniper Moon Sabine yarn in color #19 Biscuit. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 hanks for the XS size to 8 hanks for the 2X and 3X sizes. The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles for the main fabric, which should produce a gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A US 6 (4 mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 cm) is used for ribbed sections and the button band, producing a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Buttonband Rib. Additional notions include four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and one 1-inch (2.5 cm) button for the closure.

Construction Details

The pattern emphasizes the importance of accurate gauge for proper fit, with separate gauge measurements specified for both the main stockinette fabric and the ribbed sections. The schematic measurements include the selvedge stitches, which are incorporated into seaming but are not counted toward the finished bust size measurements. Knitters should use the specified Sloped Bind Off method when shaping the sleeve cap to achieve the intended design aesthetic.