Zen Cardigan

Zen Cardigan by Boadicea Binnerts

What is Being Made

The Zen Cardigan is an oversize knit cardigan designed for comfort and versatility. This garment features a relaxed, luxurious fit that creates an effortless wearing experience. The cardigan is constructed with a V-neck design and includes functional pockets, making it both stylish and practical for everyday wear.

Construction Method and Design Features

This cardigan is knit bottom-up in separate pieces, allowing for straightforward assembly and the ability to customize length to personal preference. The design includes picked-up sleeves, which are worked after the body is complete, streamlining the construction process. The reverse stockinette stitch creates a distinctive textured surface that adds visual interest while maintaining the garment's soft, luxurious drape.

The pattern offers five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust measurements from 120cm to 160cm (54" to 62"), and includes 16cm (40") of positive ease for the signature oversize silhouette. The sample garment shown measures 60cm (24") from neck to hem and 70cm (28") armpit to armpit when laid flat.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch structure, creating a textured, bumpy surface on the right side of the fabric
• Cast On (CO): Used to establish stitches at the beginning of the project
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) Stitches: Foundation stitches that form the reverse stockinette pattern
• Bind Off (BO): Technique used to secure stitches and finish edges
• Picked-Up Sleeves: Stitches are picked up from the armhole edge and worked downward, eliminating the need for separate sleeve seams
• M1L (Make One Left): An increase technique used to shape the garment
• Place Marker (PM): Used to track pattern sections and shaping points

Yarn and Materials

The Zen Cardigan is designed to be knit with 4-ply or sport weight yarn, both lightweight options that create a soft, fluid fabric. The designer specifically recommends using a lightweight and very soft, luxurious yarn against the skin to maximize the comfort and elegance of this design. The pattern is flexible and can accommodate various yarn weights and fiber blends, though lighter options are preferred for the intended drape and wearability.

Knitting needles appropriate for the chosen yarn weight are required to complete this project.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques, picking up stitches, and reading pattern instructions.