Carter Cardigan

Carter Cardigan by Laura Chau

What Is Being Made

The Carter Cardigan is a classic everyday cardigan designed by Laura Chau, available in ten sizes ranging from finished bust measurements of 30 inches to 56 inches. This aran weight cardigan features a mini shawl collar, functional pockets, and a sophisticated cable-knit design that combines both statement and wearable simplicity. The garment is suitable for intermediate knitters seeking a structured, timeless layering piece.

Design Features and Construction

The Carter Cardigan showcases a distinctive front design centered around the Sheepfold Cable, a ribbony cable motif that runs vertically up both front panels. This prominent cable detail is flanked on either side by tiny three-stitch braids that create a balanced, refined aesthetic. These same three-stitch braid stitches are echoed on the sleeves, creating visual continuity throughout the garment. The back of the cardigan maintains a simpler construction with a garter stitch waist detail that provides a tidy, structured accent without overwhelming the overall design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques:

• Cable knitting: The Sheepfold Cable creates the primary visual interest on the front panels, requiring cable stitches that are crossed to form the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture
• Braid stitches: The three-stitch braids flanking the main cable and appearing on the sleeves add delicate detailing and require careful stitch manipulation
• Garter stitch: Used for the waist detail on the back, garter stitch creates a horizontal ridge texture through knitting every row
• Stockinette stitch: Forms the foundation fabric of the cardigan body, providing a smooth, classic backdrop for the cable and braid details
• Shaping and seaming: The cardigan construction includes shaped armholes, sleeve caps, and collar shaping typical of structured cardigan patterns

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Carter Cardigan is designed for aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that provides excellent stitch definition for cable work. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 950 yards for the smallest size (30-inch bust) to 1,850 yards for the largest size (56-inch bust). The pattern is shown knit in Araucania Toconao, with the size 36 requiring 8 skeins. Knitters should select aran weight yarn that provides good stitch definition to showcase the cable and braid details effectively.

Tools and Notions

The pattern requires US 7 / 4.5 mm needles and US 8 / 5 mm needles, allowing for needle size adjustment to achieve proper gauge. Both straight and circular needles are suitable for this project. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, waste yarn for holding stitches, and buttons for the cardigan front closure.

Finished Dimensions

The Carter Cardigan is available in a comprehensive size range with finished bust measurements from 30 inches to 56 inches and total lengths from 21.5 inches to 26.5 inches, accommodating various body types and length preferences. This range makes the pattern accessible for different knitters and fit requirements.