Rainy Day Adult Cardigan

Rainy Day Adult Cardigan by Catherine Waterfield

What is Being Made

The Rainy Day Adult Cardigan is a cheerful yoked rainbow cardigan designed to brighten even the rainiest spring days. This knitted garment features a vibrant multi-color yoke construction that showcases a full spectrum of colors, making it a striking piece suitable for adult wearers. The cardigan is available in four sizes: Small (88cm chest), Medium (98cm chest), Large (108cm chest), and Extra Large (118cm chest), with consistent length measurements of 36cm across all sizes and sleeve seams ranging from 43 to 45cm depending on size.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs yoked construction, a popular technique that begins with knitting the yoke as a seamless piece worked from the top down. The yoke features colorwork elements that create the rainbow effect across the shoulders and upper body. The cardigan is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and efficient colorwork integration. The design incorporates button bands and button closures, requiring careful finishing techniques for a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Rainy Day Adult Cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for displaying the vibrant yarn colors. The colorwork yoke likely employs stranded colorwork or intarsia techniques to transition between the multiple yarn colors that form the rainbow pattern. Ribbing is typically incorporated at cuffs, hem, and button bands to provide structure and elasticity to the finished garment.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK (100g per 295m, 100% acrylic)
  • Yarn A: 1068 Turquoise (blue) – 4, 4, 5, or 5 balls depending on size
  • Yarn B: 1010 Matador (red) – approximately 30g required
  • Yarn C: 1711 Spice (orange) – approximately 30g required
  • Yarn D: 1114 Sunshine (yellow) – approximately 30g required
  • Yarn E: 1828 Kelly Green (green) – approximately 30g required
  • Yarn F: 1117 Royal (indigo) – approximately 30g required
  • Yarn G: 1827 Fuchsia Purple (violet) – approximately 30g required
  • Yarn H: 1001 White (white) – approximately 30g required (optional)
• Needles: 3.5mm circular needle (80cm) and 4mm circular needle (80cm)
• Notions: 2 stitch markers, tapestry needle, and 7 buttons
• Yarn Weight: DK (Double Knitting)

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows measuring 10x10cm (4x4 inches) when worked in stockinette stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit of the cardigan. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project and adjust needle size as needed to match the specified tension.