Women's Twist Stitch Cardigan in Plymouth Yarn Arequipa Worsted

Women's Twist Stitch Cardigan in Plymouth Yarn Arequipa Worsted

What is Being Made

This is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed for women in five sizes ranging from Small to XXL. The cardigan features a sophisticated twist stitch pattern throughout and is constructed as a button-front closure garment. Finished chest measurements range from 34 inches for the smallest size up to 50 inches for the largest size, with corresponding length measurements between 21½ and 24½ inches. The sleeves measure 17 inches from the underarm, providing a classic three-quarter to full-length sleeve proportion.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs a strategic multi-directional construction method that maximizes efficiency and fit. The body is worked from the bottom up in a single continuous piece using circular needles, extending to the armholes before the front and back sections are separated for individual shaping. This seamless construction approach reduces finishing work and creates a cohesive fabric.

The sleeves are worked using a top-down method, with stitches picked up directly from the armhole edges. Short-row shaping is incorporated to create a properly fitted cap sleeve that sits smoothly at the shoulder. This technique allows for precise sleeve cap shaping and eliminates the need for traditional sleeve seaming.

The ribbed edging at the lower body is worked flat using circular needles to accommodate the large stitch count, even though the fabric is worked in flat rows rather than in the round. Strategic decreases are worked into the final row of the ribbing to transition smoothly into the main pattern sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The cardigan features three distinct twist stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. Twist Stitch Pattern A spans 18 stitches across, Twist Stitch Pattern B also covers 18 stitches, and Twist Stitch Pattern C is worked over 19 stitches. These patterns are strategically placed across the body to create a balanced, symmetrical design.

The foundation of the cardigan begins with a twisted rib edging, which is created by working knit stitches and purl stitches through the back loop in alternating fashion. This creates a textured, elastic edge that provides structure and prevents rolling. The twisted rib is worked for 1½ inches from the cast-on edge, with evenly distributed decreases worked across the final row to establish the correct stitch count for the main pattern sections.

The body sections between the twist stitch patterns are worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth contrast to the textured patterned areas and allows the twist stitch motifs to stand out visually. Stitch markers are used throughout to clearly delineate pattern sections and maintain consistency across all sizes.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern is designed for Plymouth Yarn Arequipa Worsted weight yarn in color 303 (Silver). The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 balls (500 grams) for the smallest size up to 7 balls (700 grams) for the largest sizes. Arequipa Worsted is a worsted-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for the twist stitch patterns.

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

The pattern requires two sets of needles: US size 5 (3¾ mm) needles for the ribbed edging and US size 7 (4½ mm) needles for the main body and sleeves. Multiple needle formats are needed to accommodate different sections: 24-inch circular needles for the body, double-pointed needles for the sleeve cap shaping, and 16-inch circular needles for smaller circumferences. Additional notions include 6 stitch markers, 2 stitch holders, 7 buttons for the front closure, and scrap yarn for provisional techniques if needed.

Pattern Details by Size

• Size Small (S): 34" chest, 21½" length, uses 5 balls of yarn, cast on 197 stitches
• Size Medium (M): 38" chest, 22" length, uses 6 balls of yarn, cast on 221 stitches
• Size Large (L): 42" chest, 22½" length, uses 6 balls of yarn, cast on 245 stitches
• Size Extra