Mary

Mary Cardigan by Deb Hoss

What is Being Made

Mary is a buttoned-up cardigan designed by Deb Hoss, featuring a deep V-neckline and a relaxed, subtly shaped silhouette. This intermediate-level knitting project is suitable for all-season wear and comes in seven sizes ranging from 33¼ inches to 56¾ inches (84.5 cm to 144.1 cm). The cardigan is designed to be worn with 1–2 inches of ease for a comfortable, modern fit.

Design Features and Construction

The Mary cardigan showcases a densely knit construction that provides structure and durability. The design has been refined with updated measurements that include increased width in the front panels and back collar, along with reduced waist shaping for a more relaxed aesthetic. Long sleeves are knit flat and then seamed for added structure and stability. Set-in sleeve caps create a professional, tailored appearance. The cardigan closes with buttons and includes a practical row tracker tool to simplify the simultaneous management of bodice shaping, V-neckline shaping, and buttonhole placement during knitting.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Long-tail cast-on for a secure foundation
• Decreasing techniques including ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together)
• Increasing techniques including kfb (knit front and back) and yarn overs (yo)
• Short row shaping for contoured fit and neckline depth
• Grafting garter stitch at the back neckline and shoulders for seamless joins
• Mattress stitch seaming for invisible, professional seams
• Set-in sleeve cap construction for tailored sleeve placement
• Buttonhole creation integrated throughout the design

Stitches Used

Garter stitch is the primary stitch throughout the Mary cardigan. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides. This stitch is ideal for cardigans because it provides excellent drape, structure, and visual interest while remaining beginner-friendly within an intermediate project context.

Materials Required

The Mary cardigan is designed to be knit with aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly and creates a fabric with good body and warmth. Knitters will need appropriate needles sized for aran yarn (typically US 8–10 / 5–6 mm, depending on desired gauge) and buttons for closure. The downloadable PDF pattern includes all necessary measurements, schematics, and instructions for successful completion.

Skill Level

Mary is classified as an intermediate knitting project. While the primary stitch—garter stitch—is straightforward, the pattern requires proficiency with shaping techniques, seaming methods, and simultaneous stitch management. The included row tracker tool is designed to make the process more manageable, making this an accessible intermediate project for knitters ready to develop their construction and finishing skills.