Willow & Lark Catherine Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Catherine Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Catherine Cardigan is a dramatic batwing cardigan featuring a slouchy silhouette with an oversized fit. Designed by Willow & Lark as part of THE HOMESTEAD COLLECTION in 2017, this cardigan makes a bold statement through its distinctive construction and cable detailing. The garment is available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches), with actual finished measurements ranging from 115cm to 143cm (45¼ to 56¼ inches), creating a relaxed, generous drape. The cardigan features a scarf-like neck band that adds to its dramatic appeal.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive look:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the hem upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed.
• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making shaping and cable placement more straightforward.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are sewn together after completion, creating clean seams and allowing for precise fit adjustments.
• Cable work: The design features two prominent cables on the body at the hem edge and a bold diagonal cable stitch on the scarf-like neck band, requiring cable needle manipulation and pattern reading skills.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Catherine Cardigan relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative cable patterns. Stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) forms the main fabric base, providing a smooth, classic canvas for the cable work. The cable panels are the focal point of the design, with the body featuring two cables at the hem edge and the distinctive neck band showcasing a bold diagonal cable stitch. The cable panel spans 40 stitches and measures 12cm (4¾ inches) in width. Cable work requires the use of a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while crossing them over other stitches, creating the characteristic twisted rope effect.

Materials and Tools

The Catherine Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Ramble, a 100% wool yarn in DK (light worsted) weight. Each ball contains 50g (1¾ ounces) of yarn. The pattern requires 102 to 116 balls depending on size, with suggested colorways including Limestone and Oxblood. The yarn choice is significant—Willow & Lark recommends using Ramble specifically to achieve the intended finished look, as fiber content, weight, twist, and composition directly impact the garment's appearance and drape.

Essential tools include one pair of 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) knitting needles for ribbing and one pair of 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6) knitting needles for the main fabric. A cable needle is required for executing the cable stitches throughout the design. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using the 4.00mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished cardigan.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Catherine Cardigan is offered in six sizes accommodating bust measurements from 81cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches). The actual finished measurements are significantly larger, ranging from 115cm to 143cm (45¼ to 56¼ inches), reflecting the intentional slouchy, oversized fit. Length to the back neck measures between 61cm and 66cm (24 to 26 inches), while sleeve seams measure approximately 30 to 32cm (11¾ to 12½ inches).