Willow & Lark Eleanor Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Eleanor Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Eleanor Cardigan is a classic boxy cardigan designed by Francesca Hughes as part of the Best of British Collection. This is a structured, contemporary cardigan featuring a relaxed fit with a boxed silhouette. The garment is available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches), with finished bust measurements ranging from 96cm to 124cm (37¾ to 48¾ inches). The cardigan showcases a fabulous concoction of colour designed to reflect light and shadow, inspired by photography enthusiasts. It features accent colours on the button band and cuffs that coordinate with the main body of the garment.

Techniques Used

The Eleanor Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create visual depth and interest:

• Slip stitch — A fundamental technique used throughout the pattern to create texture and allow colours to show through the fabric
• Garter stitch — Employed to add depth and dimension to the design
• Seamed construction — The cardigan is assembled using seams, which is typical of structured, boxy garments
• Worked flat — The pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier colorwork and pattern manipulation
• Bottom-up construction — The garment is knitted from the bottom edge upward to the shoulders, a traditional method that allows for easy length adjustments

Stitches Used

The pattern requires knowledge of fundamental knitting stitches and techniques. The primary stitches featured in this design include:

• Slip stitch — The signature stitch that creates the textured, light-reflecting quality of the cardigan
• Garter stitch — Provides structural depth and visual interest
• Stockinette stitch — Likely used in sections to balance the textured areas

The pattern is classified as advanced difficulty, indicating that knitters should be comfortable with colorwork techniques, reading complex stitch patterns, and managing multiple yarn colours simultaneously.

Materials

The Eleanor Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Nest yarn, a premium DK weight yarn composed of 69% wool, 11% cashmere, and 20% Tencel. Each ball contains 50g (1¾oz) of yarn.

Primary colourway requirements:

• Shadow Grey 204 (A) — 3 to 5 balls depending on size
• Verdigris Green 214 (B) — 3 to 5 balls depending on size
• Garnet 229 (C) — 3 to 4 balls depending on size

Alternative colourway suggestions:

• Red Rose 225 (A) — 3 to 5 balls depending on size
• Night Sky 219 (B) — 3 to 5 balls depending on size
• Snow Drop 200 (C) — 3 to 4 balls depending on size

The pattern specifies that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements. Willow & Lark Nest is the recommended yarn for achieving the finished garment as shown in the pattern photographs, as fibre content, weight, twist, and composition will impact the appearance of the final cardigan.

Tools Required

• One pair of 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) knitting needles
• One pair of 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) knitting needles
• Seven buttons for the front closure

Tension

The pattern requires a tension of 22 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when measured over the stitch pattern using 4.00mm (US 6) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the cardigan to fit properly and display the colorwork as intended.

Design Notes

This cardigan is