Featherweight Cardigan

Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

What is Being Made

The Featherweight Cardigan is a lightweight knitted cardigan designed for year-round wear. This garment is constructed from the top down, beginning at the underarm and working downward to create a seamless, comfortable fit. The cardigan features a classic button-front construction with ribbed edging and is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various body measurements.

Design and Construction Technique

This cardigan employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the piece as they work and easily adjust the length to their preference. The pattern begins at the underarm with a setup row that establishes stitch markers for the front panels, sleeves, and back panel. The body is then worked in stockinette stitch with strategic increases that shape the garment as it grows.

The design uses paired increases (M1R and M1L—make one right and make one left) to create symmetrical shaping. These increases are worked at specific intervals to add fullness to the sleeves and body sections, creating the characteristic drape of a cardigan. The piece is worked even in stockinette stitch until it reaches the desired length, then finished with a ribbed edging worked in a k1, p1 rib pattern for approximately 2 inches or to the knitter's preference.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch used for the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit and Purl Stitches – Foundation stitches used throughout the pattern
• Make One Right (M1R) and Make One Left (M1L) – Increase stitches used to shape the cardigan and create shaping lines
• K1, P1 Ribbing – Used for the finished edging to provide elasticity and a polished appearance
• Slip Stitch – Used to move stitches between needles without working them

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Featherweight Cardigan is designed to be worked in lace or fingering weight yarn, both of which are exceptionally fine yarns that create an airy, delicate fabric perfect for layering. The use of these lightweight yarn weights is what gives the cardigan its signature featherweight quality, making it suitable for wearing over other garments without adding bulk.

Knitters will need knitting needles appropriate for their chosen yarn weight, typically in the range recommended for lace or fingering weight yarns. The pattern accommodates multiple sizes, with cast-on instructions ranging from 52 to 70 stitches depending on the desired finished size.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable with techniques such as increases, stitch markers, and top-down construction. The pattern's structured approach and clear stitch marker placement make it manageable for knitters building their skills.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The Featherweight Cardigan is offered in a wide range of sizes, with multiple options to ensure a proper fit. The pattern provides detailed measurements and row counts for each size, allowing knitters to customize the length of both the body and the ribbed edging. This flexibility makes the pattern adaptable to individual preferences and proportions.

Pattern design by Hannah Fettig and Knitbot, with illustration by Neesha Hudson and technical editing by Tana Pageler. Design credit: M J Gumayagay.