Saddle Shoulder Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Eco+ - C307 - Downloadable PDF

Saddle Shoulder Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Eco+

Project Overview

The Saddle Shoulder Cardigan, designed by Nancy Wiseman, is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan featuring a distinctive saddle shoulder construction. This downloadable PDF pattern is sized to fit chest measurements of 36", 40", or 44", with a finished length of 21" to 24½" measured from neckline to back hem. The cardigan is crafted from Cascade Yarns Eco+ yarn, a premium 100% Peruvian Highland Wool.

What Is Being Made

This is a button-front cardigan with a saddle shoulder design—a classic construction technique where reinforced shoulder panels (saddles) sit atop the shoulder seams for added structure and durability. The garment is constructed in three sizes to accommodate different body measurements, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's wardrobe. The finished cardigan features five buttons for closure.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns Eco+ (100% Peruvian Highland Wool), 250 g (8.82 oz) per skein with 478 yards (437 meters) per skein. Pattern requires 2 skeins for the smallest size and 3 skeins for the larger sizes, in color #4010 (Straw)
• Needles: US size 9 and US 10 knitting needles, or size as needed to obtain proper gauge
• Notions: Stitch markers, 5 safety pins, 5 buttons measuring 1" diameter, and a yarn needle for finishing

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

The Cascade Yarns Eco+ used in this pattern is classified as a chunky weight yarn, which creates a fabric that knits up quickly while providing excellent warmth and drape. The yarn is composed of 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, a natural fiber known for its softness, elasticity, and durability. This fiber choice makes the cardigan suitable for cool-weather wear while maintaining breathability.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

As an intermediate-level project, this cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques. The pattern begins with a cast-on foundation using US 9 needles, followed by a garter stitch border (knit every row) to create a stable, non-curling edge. The main body is worked in a pattern stitch that alternates between knit rows and ribbed rows, creating visual texture and elasticity throughout the garment.

The saddle shoulder construction is a hallmark of classic cardigan design, where the shoulders receive additional reinforcement through the strategic placement of saddle panels. This technique distributes weight evenly across the shoulder area, preventing stretching and sagging over time—particularly important in a chunky-weight garment.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch that forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P): Used in alternating rows to create the textured pattern stitch
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Purl 2 Together (P2tog): A left-leaning decrease worked on wrong-side rows
• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row, providing a textured, reversible fabric ideal for borders
• Ribbing: An alternating knit and purl pattern (K1, P1) that creates elasticity and helps edges lay flat

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for this project's success. The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the pattern stitch on the larger US 10 needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their tension matches this specification, as variations in gauge will directly affect the finished measurements of the cardigan. The pattern accommodates three different finished chest sizes: 36", 40", and 44".

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable reading pattern instructions, managing stitch markers, and working increases and decreases. The saddle shoulder technique and multi-size construction add complexity beyond beginner projects, but the straightforward stitch patterns and clear abbreviations make it accessible to knitters building their