Blimah Cardigan

Blimah Cardigan by Emily J. Designs

What Is Being Made

The Blimah Cardigan is a comfortable, mid-weight layering piece designed by Emily J. Designs. This top-down knit cardigan features a classic round neckline, raglan sleeves, and subtle waist shaping for a flattering silhouette. Available in seven sizes ranging from XXS to XXL, the cardigan is designed to be worn with 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease for comfortable everyday wear. The finished length ranges from 22 to 24 inches (56–61 cm) depending on size, making it an ideal mid-thigh length layer suitable for various seasons and styling occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Blimah Cardigan employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust the length to personal preference. This technique begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. The cardigan incorporates raglan sleeve shaping, a classic construction technique where sleeves are increased gradually from the neckline outward, creating diagonal lines that extend from the neck to the underarm. Waist shaping is integrated into the body, allowing the knitter to create definition at the waist before the cardigan widens toward the hem. The pattern also includes button band construction along the front opening, with seven buttons spaced evenly for closure.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While specific stitch-by-stitch details are not fully outlined in the provided pattern excerpt, the Blimah Cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting stitches typical of intermediate-level garment construction. The pattern utilizes circular needle knitting for the body to accommodate the large number of stitches required for a cardigan, and short circular or double-pointed needles for the smaller circumference of the sleeves. The neckline finishing involves a smaller circular needle, suggesting ribbed or garter stitch edging for structure and elasticity. Stitch markers are used throughout to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, while stitch holders maintain stitches that will be worked later, such as sleeve stitches held during body construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Blimah Cardigan is worked in Cascade Yarns Cantata, a blend of 70% cotton and 30% merino wool. This fiber composition creates a breathable, lightweight mid-weight yarn ideal for layering pieces. Cantata is supplied in skeins of 218 yards (200 meters) per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). Yardage requirements vary by size: XXS and XS require 4 skeins, S and M require 5 skeins, L requires 6 skeins, XL requires 8 skeins, and XXL requires 9 skeins. The pattern sample shown is worked in colorway 05 Brown. The cotton-merino blend offers durability, easy care, and a soft drape suitable for a cardigan that will be worn frequently.

Needles: The pattern calls for US 8 (5mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 32-inch (80 cm) or longer circular needle for working the body, and short circular needles or double-pointed needles for the sleeves. A US 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle is used for the neckline finishing. The difference in needle sizes between the body and neckline creates a tighter gauge at the neck opening, ensuring the cardigan sits securely without stretching out during wear.

Additional Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, the Blimah Cardigan pattern requires several notions for completion: four stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and increases, two flexible stitch holders or lengths of yarn for holding stitches temporarily, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary, and seven 12mm buttons for the front closure. The pattern sample features Czech Glass Flower Buttons, which add a decorative element to the finished cardigan. Standard needle and thread are needed to securely attach buttons to the button band.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Blimah Cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The top-down raglan method simplifies fitting adjustments compared to traditional seamed construction, while waist shaping and button band finishing provide experience with intermediate-level techniques. Knitters should be comfortable working with circular needles, increasing and decreasing stitches, reading pattern instructions, and managing multiple stitch markers throughout the project.