Wildflowerknits English Breakfast Cardigan Knitting Pattern

English Breakfast Cardigan by Wildflowerknits

What Is Being Made

The English Breakfast is a classic cardigan designed by Kennita Tully, offered in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X. This garment features a traditional button-front cardigan silhouette with finished chest measurements from 35.75 inches (XS) to 59.75 inches (3X) and finished lengths ranging from 21 inches to 27.5 inches depending on size. The sample shown was knit in size Small. This is an easy skill level project, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience.

Techniques Used

The English Breakfast cardigan is constructed using bottom-up construction, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and sections are seamed together after individual pieces are completed. This traditional method allows for precise shaping and a professional finished appearance.

The design incorporates strategic shaping throughout the construction process. Side shaping is achieved through decreases worked at regular intervals to create a fitted silhouette. Armhole shaping is accomplished by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows to create clean armhole edges. The pattern includes detailed instructions for decrease placement, specifying that decreases at the beginning of right-side rows are worked as k2, ssk, while decreases at the end of rows are worked as k2tog, k2. Increases for sleeve shaping are worked using M1R (make one right) at the beginning of rows and M1L (make one left) at the end of rows.

Stitches Used

The English Breakfast cardigan primarily utilizes two fundamental knitting stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch – This forms the main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic appearance with a V-pattern on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. The gauge for Stockinette stitch is 15 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked with the larger needles.
• Garter Stitch – Used for the trim elements including the bottom band, armhole edging, and collar trim. Garter stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric that lies flat and provides a durable, finished edge. The gauge for Garter stitch is 15 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked with the smaller needles.

The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements across all sizes.

Materials

The English Breakfast cardigan is designed to be knit with Tahki Yarns "Tara Tweed", a wool-blend yarn that combines 80% wool with 20% nylon for durability and elasticity. This yarn is yardage-efficient, offering 122 yards per 50-gram ball. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS and S require 6 balls, M requires 7 balls, L requires 8 balls, 1X requires 9 balls, 2X requires 10 balls, and 3X requires 11 balls. The sample shown was knit in colorway #030 deep teal.

The project requires three sets of knitting needles in different sizes to accommodate the various gauges and techniques:

• Size US 8 (5mm) knitting needles – Used as the primary needles for working the main fabric in Stockinette stitch
• Size US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles – Used for working Garter stitch trim sections including the bottom band and armhole edges
• Size US 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needle, 36 inches or longer – Used specifically for working the collar trim, with the circular needle allowing for even distribution of stitches around the neckline

Additional materials include a tapestry needle for seaming the finished pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.