Cascade Cardi

Cascade Cardi by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

The Cascade Cardi is a beginner-friendly knitted cardigan designed by Brian Smith Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a classic, wearable cardigan suitable for crafters new to garment construction. The design features a straightforward construction method with a back panel and separated front panels, making it an ideal project for developing fundamental knitting skills.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a fitted cardigan with a traditional button-front construction. The garment is worked from the back panel first, then separated into two front panels that are worked individually. The cardigan is designed to be worn as a layering piece or standalone garment, with finished measurements ranging from 31 inches across the back for smaller sizes to 35.5 inches for larger sizes. The length varies from 19 inches for small/medium to 21 inches for large/extra-large.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

• Small/Medium: 34-38 inch bust, 31 inches width across back, 19 inches length from shoulder to cast-off edge
• Large/Extra-Large: 40-44 inch bust, 35.5 inches width across back, 21 inches length from shoulder to cast-off edge

Knitting Techniques Used

The Cascade Cardi employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The pattern uses cast-on methods to establish the initial stitches, knit and purl stitches to create texture and structure, and yarn-forward slip-one-purlwise techniques for decorative edge details. The construction method involves separating stitches to divide the work into front and back panels, and knit-two-together decreases for shaping. The pattern also incorporates stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during the transition between sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Knit (K): The primary stitch creating the fabric structure
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create textured sections
• Yarn Forward Slip One Purlwise (Yf sl1pw): A decorative edge technique worked at the end of rows
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A decrease stitch used for shaping the garment
• Stocking Stitch: The primary fabric pattern created by alternating knit and purl rows

Gauge and Fabric Characteristics

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 10 centimeters when worked in stocking stitch, measured after the yarn has been washed and dried. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements specified in the pattern. The stocking stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for a versatile cardigan.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Yarn: Cascade Paradigm Shift, Shade 3
• Weight: DK (Double Knit) weight yarn
• Yardage for Small/Medium: 3 balls
• Yardage for Large/Extra-Large: 4 balls

Needles and Notions

• Needles: UK size 4.5mm (US size 7) straight needles measuring 30 centimeters and one circular needle measuring 100 centimeters
• Additional Notions: Stitch holder for securing stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming

Construction Method

The Cascade Cardi is constructed using a practical, step-by-step approach ideal for beginners. The back panel is cast on and worked in rows using the circular needle, beginning with garter stitch edging (knit rows) and transitioning into a stocking stitch body with garter stitch borders. After the back reaches the specified length, stitches are separated: one set is worked for the first front panel while remaining stitches are placed on a holder for the second front panel. This method allows the knitter to work each section independently before joining them