K564-Side-to-side Cardigan

K564 – Side-to-Side Classic Cardigan

What is Being Made

The K564 is a cropped cardigan jacket designed by Nazanin Fard, featuring a contemporary silhouette with slick lines and drop shoulders. This side-to-side knit cardigan is a short-sleeved, open-front garment closed with a zipper, offering a modern take on the classic cardigan style. The finished cardigan is available in four sizes ranging from Small (34" bust) to X-large (46" bust), with total lengths varying from 20" to 22½" depending on size.

Design Features and Construction

This cardigan is constructed using a side-to-side knitting method, meaning the garment is knitted horizontally from one side seam to the other rather than from bottom to top. This construction technique creates unique stitch patterns and fabric characteristics that run perpendicular to traditional top-down or bottom-up cardigan construction. The side-to-side approach allows for interesting visual effects and can provide excellent drape and stretch in the finished garment.

The cardigan features drop shoulders, which create a relaxed, contemporary fit that sits lower on the shoulder line for a comfortable, modern aesthetic. The short sleeves and cropped length contribute to a versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone jacket.

Decorative Details

All edges of the cardigan—including the bottom band, sleeve cuffs, and neckline—are finished with contrasting color I-cord edging. The I-cord is worked in a contrasting color (Red, color B) against the main body, creating visual definition and a polished, professional finish. This decorative technique adds visual interest and helps frame the garment's openings.

Techniques Used

• Side-to-side knitting: The primary construction method, knitting the cardigan horizontally for unique stitch direction and fabric properties
• I-cord edging: A decorative cord technique applied to all edges in a contrasting color for definition and polish
• Zipper insertion: The front opening is closed with an open-end zipper in a matching color, requiring basic sewing skills to attach securely
• Stitch marker usage: Markers help track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the knitting process
• Stitch holder application: Stitches are held temporarily during construction, particularly useful in side-to-side knitting where multiple sections may need to be managed

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the K564 cardigan uses fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for a beginner-level project. The side-to-side construction method determines how stitches are oriented and increased or decreased to shape the garment. The I-cord edging uses the classic I-cord stitch technique, typically worked on double-pointed needles to create a small, tubular cord that is then sewn or knitted onto the garment edges.

Materials and Yarn

The K564 requires two distinct yarns, both in medium (worsted) weight:

• Color A (Grey): 592 yards (541 m) for Small size, with yardage increasing to 728 yards (666 m) for X-large. This yarn is 100% mohair bouclé, providing a luxurious, textured appearance with a soft, fuzzy surface characteristic of bouclé yarn. Bouclé yarn creates visual interest and a sophisticated look.
• Color B (Red): 400 yards (366 m) for Small size, increasing to 550 yards (503 m) for X-large. This yarn is 100% wool in worsted weight, providing durability and classic knitting performance for the I-cord edging.

The combination of mohair bouclé for the main body and wool for the contrasting edging creates textural contrast and visual interest while maintaining consistent yarn weight throughout the project.

Tools and Notions Required

• Knitting needles: Size 7 (4.5 mm) for main fabric
• Double-pointed needles: Size 7 (4.5 mm) for I-cord construction
• Zipper: Open-end zipper in matching color (length determined by cardigan size)
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in yarn ends