Water's Edge Cardigan

Water's Edge Cardigan by Hannah Fettig of Knitbot

What is Being Made

The Water's Edge Cardigan is a top-down cardigan with elbow-length sleeves, designed as a versatile layering piece suitable for all seasons. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive well-placed pleat that flatters the waist, creating a flattering silhouette inspired by shoreline contours. The cardigan is available in 10 sizes, ranging from 34" to 62¾" chest circumference, with finished lengths between 20¾" and 28¾", allowing for customization to fit various body types and style preferences.

Construction Technique

This cardigan employs a top-down construction method, beginning at the neckline and working downward to the hem. The design incorporates short row shaping at the hem to create subtle waist definition and a gentle curve that mimics natural shoreline curves. This technique allows the knitter to shape the garment as it progresses, ensuring a flattering fit without complex seaming. The pattern uses a circular needle for working in the round during the yoke and body sections, making this an accessible project for knitters comfortable with circular needle techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Water's Edge Cardigan is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (St st), the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern includes a setup row worked on the wrong side with purl stitches to establish stitch markers at key shaping points: the left front, sleeves, back, and right front sections. Stitch marker placement is essential throughout this design, as it guides the short row shaping and ensures proper alignment of the waist pleat.

Materials and Yarn

The Water's Edge Cardigan requires 5 to 12 skeins of yarn, depending on the finished size selected. The pattern accommodates both DK weight and worsted weight yarns, offering flexibility for fiber choice and allowing knitters to customize the fabric weight and drape to their preference. A circular needle is required for construction, with size determined by the chosen yarn weight and desired gauge. The pattern is shown in size 34" with 0–2" positive ease, meaning the finished garment will be slightly larger than the wearer's actual measurements for comfortable wear.

Sizing and Fit

This cardigan is offered in 10 sizes with chest circumferences ranging from 34" to 62¾" (86.5 to 159.5 cm) and lengths from 20¾" to 28¾" (52.5 to 73 cm). The generous range of sizes makes this pattern accessible to many body types. The design is intended to be worn with positive ease, meaning it will fit slightly larger than the wearer's measurements, creating a comfortable, relaxed fit ideal for layering.