Ursa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ursa Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Ursa Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey. This garment is available in nine size options, with finished bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a structured construction with front button closures and is photographed in the Champagne colorway, with Peppermint available as an alternative color option.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern includes cable work, indicated by the special abbreviation Z10V (a cable cross that involves slipping stitches to a cable needle and repositioning them). The garment uses ribbed edging along the front bands, with the front edge worked in a basic rib pattern while the body features a more complex textured rib stitch. Shaping techniques are employed throughout, including strategic decreases for armhole and neckline shaping, and increases or decreases worked at regular intervals to achieve the cardigan's fitted silhouette. The pattern requires working separate sections, with left and right front pieces completed independently before assembly.

Stitches Used

The Ursa Cardigan incorporates several fundamental and intermediate stitches:

• Knit stitch (M re) and purl stitch (M li) form the foundation of the fabric
• Ribbed stitches create the textured pattern, worked as alternating knit and purl columns (1x1 rib variations)
• Cable stitches add visual interest and dimension, created by crossing groups of stitches using a cable needle
• Decrease stitches (M abn) are used for shaping at the armholes and neckline
• Cast-off stitches (M abk) secure edges and create finished openings

Materials

The Ursa Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber option. Each 50-gram ball of Kid Classic is required according to the pattern specifications. The project calls for knitting needles in sizes 4 and 5, with the ribbed edging and initial cast-on worked on the smaller needles (size 4) before switching to the larger needles (size 5) for the main body pattern. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses throughout the design. The cardigan is finished with five metal buttons measuring 2.2 cm in diameter, which are evenly spaced along the front opening. The stitch gauge is 23 stitches and 26 rows over a 10 x 10 cm swatch, measured in the main stitch pattern using size 5 needles.