Shaped Edge and Flower Cardigan

Shaped Edge and Flower Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

This is a women's cardigan knitting pattern designed by independent designer Sian Brown. The cardigan features a shaped edge construction and is available in four sizes: Small (bust 90 cm / 35½ ins), Medium (bust 100 cm / 39¼ ins), Large (bust 110 cm / 43¼ ins), and Extra Large (bust 120 cm / 47¼ ins). The garment offers versatile length options ranging from 51 to 58 cm, with consistent sleeve lengths of 34 to 35 cm across sizes.

Techniques and Construction

The cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level knitters. The pattern employs a shaped armhole construction method, which involves strategic cast-offs and decreases to create fitted sleeve caps. The garment begins with a ribbed edge created by knitting flat rows, which provides structure and prevents curling at the lower edge. The main body is worked in stocking stitch, a classic knitted fabric that creates a smooth, uniform appearance on the right side.

Shaping is achieved through decreases worked at specific intervals to create tapered armholes and fitted shoulders. The pattern uses a combination of cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows and decorative decreases (skpo and k2tog) to gradually reduce stitch counts while maintaining clean, finished edges. The back neck and shoulders are shaped through targeted decreases and cast-offs, creating a professional neckline. A 4mm circular needle is used, likely for picking up stitches around the neckline or for working ribbed edging on the front bands and neck opening.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st) – The primary stitch throughout the main body, alternating knit rows and purl rows to create a smooth, flat fabric
• Garter stitch – Created by knitting every row, used for the initial ribbed edge to provide elasticity and structure
• Skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) – A left-leaning decrease used for armhole and shoulder shaping
• K2tog (knit two together) – A right-leaning decrease used for armhole and shoulder shaping
• Cast on and cast off – Used to create the initial edge and to finish shaped sections

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for RYC Natural Silk Aran yarn in the shade Amethyst. Aran weight yarn is a medium-weight yarn that knits quickly and produces a fabric with good drape and structure. The yardage requirement varies by size: 12 balls for Small, 13 balls for Medium, 14 balls for Large, and 15 balls for Extra Large, with each ball weighing 50 grams. This natural silk blend provides a luxurious feel and subtle sheen to the finished cardigan.

The pattern specifies two needle sizes: 4mm needles for the ribbed edge cast-on and initial rows, and 4.5mm needles for the main body worked in stocking stitch. The 4.5mm needles are the primary working needles and are used to achieve the specified tension. A 4mm circular needle is also required for finishing details such as neckband or front band ribbing. A stitch holder is needed to hold stitches during the shaping process, particularly for the back neck and shoulder sections.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 25 rows over a 10 x 10 cm square of stocking stitch worked on 4.5mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the cardigan to fit properly across all sizes, as the finished bust measurements and overall proportions depend on this gauge.