Cabled Cardigan

Cabled Cardigan by Irene Lin

What is Being Made

This is a seamlessly constructed cardigan featuring cable stitch detailing, designed by Irene Lin as an intermediate-level knitting project. The garment is worked from the top down, beginning at the collar and progressing downward to create a fitted, wearable cardigan. The design is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and 2X-Large, with the sample photographed in Medium size.

Construction Method

The cardigan employs a top-down seamless construction technique, which means knitting begins at the collar and progresses downward in one continuous piece. This method eliminates the need for seaming and allows for easy adjustments during the knitting process. The garment is worked flat or in the round depending on the pattern instructions, with increases strategically placed to shape the body and sleeves as the knitter progresses downward from the neckline.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric base. Cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design to add visual texture and dimensional detail to the cardigan. The gauge for this project is 16 stitches and 23 rows per 10 x 10 centimeters (4 x 4 inches) in stockinette stitch on the larger needle after blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Techniques Employed

• Seamless top-down construction starting from the collar
• Cable stitch techniques for decorative patterning
• Increases for shaping the body and sleeve cap
• Blocking to achieve proper gauge and finished dimensions
• Stitch marker placement for pattern and shaping management

Materials and Tools

Yarn: LANG VIVIENNE Merino Extrafine, a premium merino wool yarn at aran weight, with yardage of 90 meters (98 yards) per 50-gram ball. The pattern requires 12 balls for sizes Small and Medium, 13 balls for Large, and 14 balls for 2X-Large.

Needles: Two needle sizes are required. The larger needles are 5.5mm / US 9 for the body of the cardigan, while smaller 4.5mm / US 7 needles are used for the hem ribbing. Knitters should select needle sizes to achieve the specified gauge.

Additional Materials: Stitch markers for tracking cable patterns and shaping points, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Sizing and Fit

The cardigan is designed with a recommended ease of 15 to 20 centimeters (5.9 to 7.8 inches) of positive ease for a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. The sample garment shown was knitted with 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of positive ease. Finished measurements include body length ranging from 56 centimeters (22 inches) in sizes Small and Medium to 63 centimeters (24.8 inches) in sizes Large and 2X-Large; bust circumference from 101 centimeters (39.7 inches) in Small to 121 centimeters (47.6 inches) in 2X-Large; and sleeve length from underarm measuring 39 to 42 centimeters (15.3 to 16.5 inches) depending on size.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills in stockinette stitch, cable work, and basic shaping techniques. The seamless top-down construction method requires understanding of increases and pattern management, but the straightforward progression from collar to hem makes it an accessible intermediate challenge.