Willow & Lark Bathsheba Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Bathsheba Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Bathsheba Cardigan is a versatile contrast cardigan designed by Jennie Atkinson as part of The Best of British Collection. This sophisticated garment functions as both a cardigan and a coat, offering flexible styling options whether buttoned, unbuttoned, worn as a jacket, or layered under a winter coat. The design features practical pockets and an accompanying belt, making it a multifunctional wardrobe essential. Available in six sizes ranging from 81cm to 107cm bust (32 to 42 inches), the cardigan is designed to fit a range of body types with actual measurements at the underarm from 88cm to 111cm (34½ to 43¾ inches).

Knitting Techniques

The Bathsheba Cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance and structure. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning it is constructed in flat pieces rather than in the round. Construction follows a bottom-up approach, with pieces knitted from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The cardigan incorporates stranded colorwork, a technique that creates pattern and visual interest by carrying multiple yarn colors across rows, allowing for the contrast coloring featured in this design. All pieces are seamed together after completion, creating structured, defined seams that contribute to the garment's polished, tailored appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the Bathsheba Cardigan is rib, which provides elasticity, structure, and a classic aesthetic. Ribbed fabric is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in vertical columns, resulting in stretchy, textured fabric that hugs the body comfortably. The tension specification of 34 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over unstretched rib ensures proper fit and drape. The stranded colorwork technique incorporates the contrast color throughout the design, creating visual patterns while maintaining the integrity of the ribbed stitch structure.

Materials and Tools

The Bathsheba Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Nest, a premium DK-weight yarn composed of 69% wool, 11% cashmere, and 20% Tencel. Each ball weighs 50g (1¾oz) and contains approximately 1¾oz of yarn. The main color (MC) requires 14 to 17 balls depending on size, while the contrast color (C) requires 1 to 2 balls. The yarn is worked on 3.75mm (UK 9, US 5) knitting needles for ribbed edgings and 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6) knitting needles for the main fabric. The cardigan is finished with seven buttons, which are sewn down the front opening to create the closure. Suggested colorways include Bougainvillea as the main color paired with Night Sky or Owl Grey as the contrast, or Milk as the main color with Owl Grey as the contrast.

Design Features

• Contrast colorwork created through stranded knitting technique
• Practical patch pockets for functionality
• Coordinating belt for styling versatility
• Seven-button front closure
• Seamed construction for structured, tailored appearance
• Flexible sizing from XS to XXL
• Length options ranging from 59cm to 62cm (23¼ to 24½ inches) to the side neck
• Sleeve seam length from 47cm to 49cm (18½ to 19¼ inches)

Yarn Composition and Performance

The blend of wool, cashmere, and Tencel in Willow & Lark Nest creates a yarn with exceptional qualities. The 69% wool content provides warmth, elasticity, and durability characteristic of quality knitting yarns. The 11% cashmere adds luxury softness and a subtle sheen to the finished fabric. The 20% Tencel, a sustainable cellulose fiber, contributes breathability and a smooth drape, making the cardigan suitable for transitional seasons and layering. This fiber composition creates a garment that is both warm and refined, appropriate for the sophisticated aesthetic of the Bathsheba design.