The Prague Cardigan

The Prague Cardigan by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Prague Cardigan is a chunky, loveable knitted cardigan designed as a beginner-friendly project. This cardigan combines practical warmth with a classic silhouette, featuring a button-front closure with three large buttons. The garment is constructed using two strands of yarn worked together to create a substantial, cozy fabric suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it accessible to beginners while creating visual and textural interest. The construction method uses two strands of yarn worked together, which adds bulk and warmth to the finished piece. The pattern incorporates strategic shaping at the neck edge using K2tog (knit two together) decreases to create a fitted neckline. The garment is worked primarily in the round using circular needles for the body, with different stitch patterns used in distinct sections to achieve the desired drape and structure.

Stitches Used

The Prague Cardigan utilizes a limited palette of stitches, making it ideal for knitters building their foundational skills:

• Garter Stitch – Used for the bodice, creating a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges that adds visual interest and helps with structure
• Stocking Stitch – Used for the sleeve fabric, providing a smooth, classic appearance that contrasts with the bodice texture
• K1, P1 Rib – Used as the ribbed edging at the cuff and hem, creating elasticity and a neat, finished appearance
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) – Decrease stitch used for neck shaping to create a fitted neckline

Materials and Specifications

The Prague Cardigan is worked in Sirdar Harrap Tweed yarn in shade 0110 Croft. The pattern requires DK weight yarn (though worked with two strands together for bulk), with yardage requirements of 10 balls for the smaller size and 12 balls for the larger size, with each ball weighing 50 grams.

Three needle sizes are used throughout the project:

• 6.00mm needles (USA 10, UK 4) – Used for ribbed sections and as one needle size for the main bodice when working two strands together
• 7.00mm needles (USA 10.5, UK 2) – Used as the primary needle size for the bodice worked in Garter Stitch with two strands of yarn
• 6.00mm circular needle, 60cm length (USA 10, UK 4) – Used for working the body in the round

Additional notions include 3 large buttons measuring 25mm, stitch holders for managing live stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 20 rows measured over 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) of Garter Stitch using 7.00mm needles. This tension measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern is available in two sizes, with the back piece requiring 98 stitches for the smaller size and 106 stitches for the larger size, with shaping worked over 56 rows.