Zip Up Cardigan

Zip Up Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

What is Being Made

The Zip Up Cardigan is a wearable adult cardigan featuring saddle shoulders and a full-length front zipper closure. Designed by Hannah Fettig for knitbot, this pattern includes multiple adult sizes, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking a versatile layering piece. The cardigan is constructed with traditional knit shaping techniques and is suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is worked in aran weight or chunky weight yarn, providing a substantial fabric with good drape and warmth. The pattern requires two sizes of needles—smaller needles for the ribbed cuffs and waistband sections, and larger needles for the stockinette stitch body. A zipper is required for the front closure, and stitch markers are used throughout the construction process to maintain pattern accuracy and shaping.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Zip Up Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structured silhouette:

• Saddle Shoulder Construction: The cardigan features saddle shoulders, a classic shaping method that creates a fitted shoulder line and allows for a more tailored fit across the upper body
• Ribbed Edgings: The pattern begins with ribbed sections at the cuffs and lower body, typically worked for 2 to 3 inches depending on size, providing elasticity and a polished finish
• Zipper Facing: A dedicated zipper facing is established and maintained throughout the front pieces, ensuring a clean and professional appearance when the zipper is installed
• Armhole Shaping: Structured armhole decreases are worked on the right side rows to create proper sleeve cap depth and fit
• Multi-Size Grading: The pattern provides eight adult sizes with graduated stitch counts, allowing customization for different body measurements

Stitches Used

The Zip Up Cardigan primarily utilizes two fundamental knit stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main fabric stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance
• Ribbing (K1, P1): A one-by-one knit and purl rib worked on smaller needles for the cuffs, waistband, and other edgings, providing stretch and definition

Pattern Details and Sizing

The pattern accommodates eight different adult sizes with stitch counts ranging from 48 to 94 stitches for the front pieces and corresponding back piece dimensions. Finished measurements and length adjustments vary by size, with ribbed sections ranging from 2 to 3 inches. The front pieces include a dedicated zipper facing section, typically 4 stitches wide, which is maintained separately from the main rib pattern to ensure the zipper sits cleanly on the finished garment.