Teddy Cardi

Teddy Cardi by Knitatude - Chantal

What Is Being Made

The Teddy Cardi is a chunky knit cardigan designed by independent designer Knitatude - Chantal. This garment is a cozy, oversized cardigan suitable for intermediate to advanced beginner knitters. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and includes sizing options from Small through 3XL, making it an accessible project for various body types and skill levels.

Knitting Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate knitters. The body is worked flat in stockinette stitch using circular needles, a common method that allows for easy stitch management and comfortable knitting sessions. The pattern employs a three needle bind off technique, which creates a professional seam finish and is typically used to join shoulder seams or other structural elements. The use of circular needles for flat knitting provides stability and reduces strain on the hands during extended knitting periods.

Stitches Used

Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the Teddy Cardi. This classic knit stitch creates a smooth, uniform surface on the right side of the garment with a bumpy texture on the reverse. Stockinette stitch is ideal for showcasing the texture and color of chunky weight yarn, allowing the yarn's natural beauty to shine through without competing stitch patterns.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Teddy Cardi is designed for bulky weight yarn, category 5. The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun yarn or an equivalent bulky weight substitute. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires approximately 730 meters (800 yards), Medium through XL range from 803 to 885 meters (approximately 1196 to 1295 yards for the largest sizes), and 3XL requires the maximum yardage. The pattern specifies 4 balls for size Small, 5 balls for Medium/Large/XL, 6 balls for 2XL, and 7 balls for 3XL when using Lion Brand Homespun.

Needles and Tools

• Size US11/8mm circular needles, 24 inches (60cm) long – used for the main knitting in stockinette stitch
• Size US10.5/6.5mm circular needles, 24 inches (60cm) long – used for ribbing or edging sections that require a tighter gauge
• Size US11/8mm double-pointed needles (DPN) – used specifically for the three needle bind off technique
• Stitch marker – one marker needed to track pattern repeats and construction points
• Darning needle – for weaving in yarn ends and finishing
• Scissors – for cutting yarn

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches by 14 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) when knitting stockinette stitch flat on US11/8mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and finished dimensions. The cardigan features multiple sizing options with detailed measurements including back width, front panel width, total length, arm length, arm depth, and wrist width, allowing knitters to select the size that best suits their desired fit.

Difficulty Level

Designated as Advanced Beginner difficulty, the Teddy Cardi is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are comfortable working with circular needles. The straightforward stockinette construction and minimal shaping make this an ideal project for building confidence with bulky yarn and larger needles, while the three needle bind off technique provides an introduction to intermediate finishing methods.