Kempsey Cardigan in Ella Rae Calluna - ER02-02 - Downloadable PDF

Kempsey Cardigan in Ella Rae Calluna – Pattern Summary (ER02-02)

The Kempsey Cardigan is a beautifully structured knitted cardigan pattern published by Knitting Fever Inc. and designed to be worked in Ella Rae Calluna, an aran-weight yarn. This downloadable PDF pattern (reference ER02-02) produces a classic, polished cardigan featuring an eye-catching central cable panel set against a clean ribbed and reverse-stockinette background. With its elegant shaping and timeless cable detailing, the Kempsey Cardigan is a rewarding project for knitters with intermediate to advanced experience.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is offered in three sizes, labeled A, B, and C, designed to accommodate a wide range of bust measurements:

• Size A: Bust 80–90 cm (31½–35½ in), finished length 50 cm
• Size B: Bust 95–105 cm (37½–41¼ in), finished length 51 cm
• Size C: Bust 110–120 cm (43¼–47¼ in), finished length 52 cm

The graduated lengths across sizes ensure a well-proportioned fit for each bust measurement, making this an accessible pattern for a variety of body types.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

This pattern is specifically written for Ella Rae Calluna, an aran-weight yarn produced under the Ella Rae brand and distributed by Knitting Fever Inc. Calluna is an ideal choice for cable knitting due to its stitch definition and body, which allow intricate cable and twist stitches to stand out clearly against the background fabric.

The pattern calls for 5.00mm knitting needles for the main body sections, as referenced in the back construction instructions. A cable needle is also required to work the various cable and twist stitches throughout the cable panel.

Construction Method

The Kempsey Cardigan is worked in separate pieces — a back, a left front, and a right front — which are then seamed together during the making-up stage. This traditional construction method gives knitters the opportunity to work each section independently and ensures clean, structured seams for a professional finish.

• Back: Cast on 98 (110, 118) stitches using 5.00mm needles and begin with a rib border before transitioning into the main body pattern.
• Left Front and Right Front: Each front piece incorporates the cable panel alongside the body fabric, with the cable panel positioned to create a symmetrical, mirror-image effect across the cardigan opening.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Kempsey Cardigan employs a rich combination of knitting stitches and techniques that give it its distinctive textured appearance:

Rib Stitch

The lower border of the back is worked in a 2x2 rib (k2, p2 repeat), a classic technique that creates a stretchy, neat edge that lies flat and frames the body of the cardigan neatly.

Reverse Stockinette and Stockinette

The main body fabric combines knit and purl stitches to create a background that sets off the cable panel. Sections of reverse stockinette (purl on the right side) are used alongside standard stockinette to provide contrast and depth.

Cable Panel (24 Stitches)

The centrepiece of this cardigan is a 24-stitch cable panel worked over a 12-row repeat. This panel is intricate and combines several cable and twist techniques to produce a flowing, interlocking design. The panel stitches include:

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle held at the back, knit 2 from the left-hand needle, then knit the stitches from the cable needle. This creates a right-leaning cable cross.
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): The