McElder Cardigan by Chrissie Day in BC Garn Semilla Grosso - 4015BC - Downloadable PDF

McElder Cardigan by Chrissie Day – BC Garn Semilla Grosso (Pattern No. 4015BC)

The McElder Cardigan is a beautifully structured, chunky-weight knitted cardigan designed by Chrissie Day and published as pattern number 4015BC by BC Garn. This free downloadable PDF pattern produces a relaxed, substantial cardigan with a classic silhouette, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to create a cosy, wearable garment with elegant textural detail. The design is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple cable or twisted stitch techniques.

Sizing and Fit

The McElder Cardigan is available in five sizes, offering an inclusive range of fits:

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Chest measurements: 112 (117) 122 (127) 132 cm
• Length: 69 (71) 71 (73) 73 cm

The generous chest measurements suggest a relaxed, oversized fit typical of chunky cardigans designed for layering and everyday wear.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically designed for BC Garn Semilla Grosso in colour 120, a chunky-weight yarn celebrated for its natural, organic qualities. Semilla Grosso is a robust, textured yarn that lends warmth and body to knitted fabrics, making it an excellent choice for a substantial cardigan like the McElder.

• Yarn: BC Garn Semilla Grosso, colour 120
• Yarn weight: Chunky
• Yarn quantity required: 19 (19) 21 (21) 22 balls depending on size

In addition to yarn, the pattern requires 6 buttons as a key finishing accessory, which fasten the front opening of the cardigan.

Needles and Tools

Two needle sizes are used throughout the construction of the McElder Cardigan, which is common in garment knitting to achieve different fabric textures for ribbing versus the main body:

• Main needles: 6 mm (US 10) straight or circular knitting needles
• Ribbing needles: 5½ mm (US 9) knitting needles
• Circular needle: 5½ mm (US 9), 100 cm length – used for picking up and working the button bands or neckline

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for accurate sizing in any garment project. The specified tension for the McElder Cardigan is:

• 15 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm / 4 inches over stocking stitch using 6 mm (US 10) needles

Knitters are encouraged to swatch before beginning to ensure their finished cardigan matches the intended measurements. Adjusting needle size up or down is a standard way to achieve the correct gauge.

Techniques and Construction

The McElder Cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — including a left front and presumably a right front, back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method gives the knitter clear, manageable sections to work through and allows for easy blocking of individual pieces before assembly.

A distinctive feature of this design is the Twisted Rib Panel, worked over 13 stitches. This panel adds a refined, tactile texture to the cardigan that elevates it beyond a simple stocking stitch garment. Twisted rib involves knitting into the back loop of stitches, which creates a tighter, more defined column of rib that has a slightly cabled appearance without requiring a cable needle. Specifically, the technique described involves:

• On the right side (RS): missing the first stitch, knitting into the