Product Description
“Kaga”, flower bud in Japanese, is a boxy cardigan that dresses up your casual outfit.
It is worked from the top down seamlessly. The fronts and back are first worked back and forth separately. After short-row shoulder shaping, they are worked in Kaga pattern to the underarm, then joined. The lower body is knitted in one piece to the hem.
Sleeves sts are picked up around the arm openings and worked down in the round in 1x1 rib.
The front and neck edging are finished neatly with I-cord.
Kaga Cardigan by Ririko
What is Being Made
The Kaga Cardigan is a boxy cardigan designed by Ririko, with the name "Kaga" meaning flower bud in Japanese. This is a versatile layering piece intended to dress up casual outfits. A distinctive feature of this design is its reversibility—the cardigan can be worn on both sides to enjoy different textures, making it a unique two-in-one garment.
Sizing and Fit
The Kaga Cardigan is available in five sizes (1 through 5) with finished bust circumferences ranging from 141 cm (55½") to 213 cm (83¾"). The length from underarm to hem ranges from 35 cm to 38 cm (13¾" to 15"), depending on size. This cardigan is designed to be worn with significant positive ease, with the intended ease range of 50–70 cm (19¾–28") at the bust. The size 1 sample shown is worn with 63.5 cm (25") of ease, demonstrating the relaxed, oversized fit characteristic of this design.
Knitting Techniques and Stitches
The Kaga Cardigan is constructed using knitting techniques suitable for an intermediate-level crafter. While the specific stitch patterns are detailed in the full pattern instructions, the reversible nature of the design suggests the use of textured stitches that create visual interest on both sides of the fabric. The construction method allows for the garment to be worn with either side as the public-facing surface, each presenting its own distinct texture and appearance.
Yarn and Materials
This pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, which creates a refined, drapable fabric appropriate for a cardigan. The yardage requirements vary by size:
- Size 1: approximately 1380 m (1498 yards)
- Size 2: approximately 1645 m (1799 yards)
- Size 3: approximately 1935 m (2116 yards)
- Size 4: approximately 2295 m (2510 yards)
- Size 5: approximately 2525 m (2761 yards)
The pattern sample was created using The Plucky Knitter Plucky Single, a premium fingering weight yarn composed of 80% Merino wool and 20% silk. This fiber blend provides softness, breathability, and a subtle sheen. Each 100 g skein yields 393 m (430 yards). The original sample was dyed in Prickly Pear, though this colorway is no longer available; knitters can substitute with any fingering weight yarn of similar yardage and fiber content.
Needles
The pattern requires 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needles. Circular needles are essential for this construction, allowing for seamless knitting in the round or for managing the width of the cardigan body during flat knitting, depending on the construction method outlined in the full pattern.
Pattern Details
The Kaga Cardigan pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF document, version 1 in English, designed by Ririko and copyrighted in 2021. The pattern is intended for personal use only. Knitters should note that yardage estimates may vary slightly depending on individual gauge and construction choices, and the pattern recommends checking finished measurements on page 8 of the PDF to ensure the desired fit before beginning.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 4 Ply |
| Pages: | 18 |
| Designer: | Ririko |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English, Japanese |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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