Chloe

Chloe Cardigan by Katya Frankel

What is Being Made

Chloe is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Katya Frankel. This garment is worked seamlessly in one piece from the neck down, creating a cohesive construction with minimal finishing required. The cardigan features a button band closure with six buttons and includes shaping details achieved through short-row techniques.

Construction Method

The cardigan is constructed using a top-down, seamless approach. This method allows the knitter to work from the neckline downward in a continuous piece, eliminating the need for seaming body panels together. The design incorporates short rows with wraps to shape the collar, which adds dimension and ensures proper fit around the neck and shoulders.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Short rows with wraps – Used to shape the collar. The technique involves working to a turning point, wrapping the yarn around the next stitch, and turning. When knitting or purling across the wrapped stitch on subsequent rows, the needle is inserted into the wrap and worked together with the stitch.
• Cabling – Incorporated into the stitch pattern for textural interest and visual detail.
• Decreases and increases – Simple shaping techniques used to achieve the cardigan's silhouette.
• Stocking stitch – The primary stitch forming the base fabric of the garment.
• Button holes – Created on the wrong-side row of the button band by binding off 2 stitches over 7 stitches total, then casting on 2 stitches on the following right-side row to close the opening.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cardigan primarily features stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. Cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design to add textural contrast and visual interest. The button band is worked in a manner that accommodates functional button holes, with the holes strategically placed and neatly finished using a bind-off and cast-on method.

Materials and Tools Required

Needles: One 32-inch (80cm) size 4mm (US 6) circular needle and one 16-inch (40cm) size 4mm (US 6) circular needle, or a set of double-pointed needles of the same size. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge for your yarn.

Notions and Finishing: Six stitch markers (using two stitch markers in a contrasting color to denote button bands is recommended but optional), one cable needle, one tapestry needle, and six buttons for closure.

Skill Level and Finishing

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. Knitters should be comfortable with stocking stitch, cabling, simple decreases and increases, and basic finishing techniques. The seamless construction and short-row shaping require attention to detail but are well-suited for knitters with foundational skills looking to expand their technical abilities. Finishing involves weaving in ends with the tapestry needle and attaching buttons securely to the button band.