Staring at Stars

Staring at Stars Cardigan by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Staring at Stars is a downloadable knitting pattern for a cardigan designed by Alicia Plummer. This garment features eight different size options, ranging from 34 inches to 59.5 inches in finished bust measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan is inspired by the visual imagery of stars emerging at twilight, with each star unique yet part of a cohesive whole.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This beginner-friendly cardigan pattern uses fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for those new to garment construction. The project is worked primarily in Stockinette Stitch, a classic knit stitch that creates a smooth, flat fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture. The pattern employs circular needles for the main construction, which allows for seamless knitting in the round and provides stability for larger projects. Double-pointed needles (dpns) are used for smaller circumferences, typically for ribbing or finishing details. The cardigan incorporates stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, professional finish
• Ribbing – used for structure and elasticity in finishing areas

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Western Sky Knits Willow DK, a DK weight (8 ply) yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 skeins for the smallest size to 10 skeins for the largest size. Each skein contains 280 yards (256 meters) and weighs 115 grams (4.06 ounces). The yarn is spun at 11 wraps per inch (wpi), providing a balanced weight suitable for drape and wearability.

Needles: The pattern requires size 7/4.5mm circular needles in a 32-inch length for the main construction, along with size 6/4mm circular needles in a 40-inch length for certain sections. Double-pointed needles in size 7/4.5mm are also needed for working smaller circumferences.

Additional Notions: Four stitch markers and a tapestry needle are required for construction and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch using size 7/4.5mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished measurements to match the pattern specifications. Eight size options are provided: 34, 38, 41.5, 45, 49.5, 52, 57, and 59.5 inches in finished bust circumference, with corresponding metric measurements of 86, 96, 105, 114, 126, 132, 145, and 151 centimeters.