Dunworthy Cardigan

Dunworthy Cardigan by Laura Chau

What Is Being Made

The Dunworthy Cardigan is a classic V-neck cardigan featuring an all-over stitch pattern throughout the body. This intermediate-level knitting project combines timeless cardigan construction with decorative stitch work, creating a versatile garment suitable for various occasions. The design is available in 12 sizes, ranging from finished bust measurements of 33½ inches (85 cm) to 68¾ inches (174.5 cm), accommodating a wide range of body types.

Construction Techniques

The Dunworthy Cardigan employs a strategic multi-stage construction method that maximizes efficiency and garment quality. The body is worked as a single piece from the hem to the underarms, allowing for seamless integration of the all-over stitch pattern and ensuring consistent gauge throughout this large section. Once the body reaches the underarm point, it is split into separate front and back pieces to accommodate shaping for the armholes and shoulder seams.

The sleeves are constructed using a combination of circular and flat knitting techniques. Each sleeve begins in the round from the cuff to the underarm, worked in stockinette stitch for a smooth, classic appearance. At the underarm, the sleeve transitions to flat knitting for the cap shaping, which allows for precise decreases and a professional fit. The completed sleeves are then seamed into the armholes using a traditional set-in sleeve method, providing structure and definition to the shoulder area.

The finishing details include a ribbed collar and button bands that are picked up from the finished body edges and worked as a single continuous piece. This integrated approach to the neckline and front bands ensures a polished, professional appearance and consistent ribbing throughout these crucial finishing elements.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the sleeves, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric with a V-shaped stitch pattern on the right side
• All-Over Stitch Pattern: Featured throughout the cardigan body for visual interest and texture
• Ribbed Knit: Applied to the collar and button bands for elasticity, structure, and a traditional finished edge

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project requires worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category ideal for creating garments with good drape and durability. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 1050 yards (960 meters) for the smallest size to 2040 yards (1860 meters) for the largest size, allowing knitters to select appropriate yarn quantities based on their chosen finished bust measurement.

The pattern calls for US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles measuring at least 32 inches (80 cm) in length. Circular needles of this length accommodate the body's width during the initial one-piece construction phase and provide flexibility for working small circumferences when transitioning to sleeve and neckline work. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, and standard cardigan closure notions such as buttons.

Pattern Details

The Dunworthy Cardigan pattern includes 12 distinct sizes with detailed finished measurements provided in both imperial and metric units. The pattern shown in photographs features size 4 worked with zero ease, demonstrating a close, tailored fit. Technical editing by Laura Cameron ensures accuracy and clarity throughout the pattern instructions, supporting knitters in successfully completing this intermediate-level project.