Hampstead Heath Cardigan in Erika Knight Wild Wool - 72001101 - Downloadable PDF

Hampstead Heath Cardigan in Erika Knight Wild Wool

What is Being Made

The Hampstead Heath Cardigan is an oversized slouchy cardigan designed as an essential wardrobe classic. This garment features a deep V-neck, integral button bands, patch pockets, and fully fashioned shaping. The cardigan is available in three sizes: S-M, M-L, and L-XL, with chest measurements ranging from 108cm (42½in) to 117cm (46in) and lengths from 69cm (27in) to 71cm (28in). The design offers a relaxed, comfortable fit suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs straightforward knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The primary construction method uses basic stocking stitch as the foundation fabric, complemented by rib detail for structure and definition. The garment incorporates fully fashioned shaping, a technique that creates decorative and functional decreases and increases that follow the contours of the body. The integral button bands are worked as part of the main fabric rather than added separately, streamlining construction. Patch pockets are added as functional design elements, and the deep V-neck is shaped using simple increases and decreases that are accessible to knitters with intermediate experience.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Rib Stitch: Used as detail elements to add texture and elasticity to specific areas
• Increases and Decreases: Simple shaping techniques used to create the V-neck and fully fashioned shaping throughout the garment

Materials and Gauge

The Hampstead Heath Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Erika Knight Wild Wool, an aran-weight yarn. The pattern requires 7, 7, or 8 hanks of 100g yarn depending on size selection. Knitting needles required are 4.5mm (US 7) and 5mm (US 8), with the 5mm (US 8) needles used for the main stocking stitch fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm measured over stocking stitch using the 5mm (US 8) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit. Additional materials needed include 5 buttons measuring 20mm (1½in) in diameter, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and a large-eyed blunt-tipped sewing needle for seaming and finishing.

Difficulty Level

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the basic stitches and techniques are relatively simple, the garment's construction—including fully fashioned shaping, integral button bands, and patch pockets—requires knitters to have foundational skills and the ability to follow pattern instructions with attention to detail.