Block Texture Cardigan

Block Texture Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Block Texture Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Sian Brown, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is constructed as a seamless or minimal-seam piece, worked from the back panel upward with sleeve shaping integrated into the construction. The cardigan features a button front closure and is designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 82–86 cm (32–34 in) through 112–117 cm (44–46 in), with finished cuff-to-cuff measurements between 140–155 cm (55–70 in) and length options from 53–59 cm (21–23¼ in).

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-level cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters new to garment construction. The pattern uses increases (make 1 stitch, or m1) to shape the body, creating a gradual widening from the ribbed cuff area toward the bust. Decreases via skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) are incorporated for shaping. The cardigan is worked in the round or flat using both straight and circular needles, with cast-on and cast-off techniques forming the foundation and closure. Sleeve cap shaping is achieved through strategic cast-on rows that add stitches for the armhole and sleeve depth, a common method in top-down or back-first cardigan construction.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Block Texture Cardigan features a distinctive repeating stitch pattern known as P1BACK (Purl 1 Back), which forms the visual texture throughout the garment. This pattern is based on alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, creating a block-like or textured appearance. The 12-row repeat consists of:

• Rows 1–6: Alternating purl and knit rows (2 rows each, repeated twice)
• Rows 7–12: Alternating knit and purl rows (2 rows each, repeated twice)

This simple yet visually striking pattern creates dimensional texture without requiring complex colorwork or advanced stitch techniques, making it ideal for beginners. The pattern is maintained consistently throughout the body and sleeves, ensuring a cohesive, unified appearance across the finished cardigan.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Block Texture Cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using Alpaca Select Inti DK in the colorway Redcurrant. Yardage requirements vary by size: the pattern calls for 10 balls (50g each) for the smallest size (82–86 cm bust), increasing to 13 balls for the largest size (112–117 cm bust). This totals approximately 500–650 yards depending on the finished size.

The pattern requires two pairs of straight 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles for the ribbed cuff sections and one pair of 4mm (US 6) knitting needles for the main body. Circular 4mm (US 6) needles are also needed, likely for working the body in the round or for managing large stitch counts. Four buttons are required to complete the front closure.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to a 10 cm (4 in) square when worked over the stitch pattern on 4mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper drape of the cardigan. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their personal tension matches the pattern's specifications.