Yarden Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Yarden Cardigan in Berroco Zinnia

What Is Being Made

The Yarden Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment features a classic button-front closure with a structured fit, available in nine different sizes ranging from 35¾ inches to 72½ inches bust measurement (closed). The cardigan is shown in a finished length between 21 and 24½ inches, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and style preferences. The design includes a front band for button placement and is constructed to provide 3 to 6 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear.

Construction Technique

The Yarden Cardigan employs an efficient one-piece construction method that minimizes seaming. The body is knitted as a single continuous piece from the lower edge up to the underarms, where it is then divided to create separate sections for the back and front panels. These sections are subsequently worked flat in rows to the shoulder line. The sleeves are worked in the round from the cuff to the underarms using circular needles, with the sleeve caps then completed by working back and forth in rows. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of circular knitting for the body and sleeves with flat knitting for shaping at the shoulders and sleeve caps.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is a decorative Pattern Stitch that creates visual interest throughout the cardigan. When worked flat (for the body and sleeve caps), the pattern is worked over an odd number of stitches and repeats every 4 rows. Row 1 consists of knit stitches on the right side. Row 2 is purled on the wrong side. Row 3 features a lace-like motif created by knitting 2 stitches, then alternating k2tog (knit 2 together) decreases with yo (yarn over) increases across the row, ending with 3 knit stitches. Row 4 returns to knit stitches. These four rows repeat to form the textured pattern. When the same stitch pattern is worked in the round (for the body and sleeves), it is adapted over an even number of stitches, with rounds 1 and 2 worked in knit stitches. The combination of decreases and yarn overs creates an openwork texture that adds elegance to the finished cardigan.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Yarden Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Berroco Zinnia, a yarn produced by Berroco, Inc. The pattern calls for the cardigan to be made in #7139 Lavender, a soft purple colorway. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 9 balls to 19 balls of Berroco Zinnia, with each ball weighing 50 grams. This results in total yardage appropriate for each size option.

The needles required include a 32-inch circular needle in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 6 (4 mm), allowing knitters to work both the ribbed edges and the main pattern stitch. Additionally, one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 5 and 6 is needed for working the sleeves in the round. The pattern specifies that knitters should choose needle size to obtain the correct gauge. Supporting notions include waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily, six ¾-inch buttons for the front closure, one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, and six removable stitch markers for marking shaping points.

Gauge and Finishing Details

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Pattern Stitch using the larger (size 6 / 4 mm) needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch and measure carefully before beginning the cardigan to ensure finished measurements match the intended sizes. The cardigan is completed with six ¾-inch buttons spaced along the front band, providing both functional closure and decorative detail.