Duchess Cardigan

Duchess Cardigan by Kari-Helene Rane

What is Being Made

The Duchess Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater designed by Kari-Helene Rane, available in five sizes ranging from Extra Small to Extra Large to fit bust measurements of 73 to 112 centimeters (29 to 44 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated, tailored garment suitable for various body sizes and proportions.

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is crafted using Purl Alpaca Fine, a luxury yarn composed of 100% English alpaca. The yarn provides 116 meters per 50-gram ball, offering a soft, breathable fiber ideal for creating elegant knitwear. The sample cardigan shown in size Medium is photographed in the shade Alpaca Light. Yardage requirements range from 7 balls (350 meters) for the smallest size to 9 balls (450 meters) for the largest sizes, making this a moderately yardage-intensive project.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires one pair of 5 millimeter knitting needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified tension. Additional notions include a blunt tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends, a cable needle for working cable stitches, and a stitch marker to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Patterns

The Duchess Cardigan incorporates several advanced knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Cable Stitches: The cardigan features both plaited cables and right-slanting cables as primary design elements. Plaited cables use a multiple of 6 stitches with a 4-row repeat, created using cable crosses (2/2LC and 2/2RC abbreviations indicate 2-stitch left cross and 2-stitch right cross). These cables create textured, dimensional patterns that add visual interest and structure to the garment.
• Basketweave Pattern: An established basketweave stitch pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in a structured sequence, creating a woven appearance. This pattern uses a repeat of knit 5 stitches followed by purl 5 stitches, worked over multiple rows to build the basketweave texture.
• Stocking Stitch: The base fabric is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), providing a smooth, classic knitted surface that allows the cable and basketweave patterns to stand out prominently.
• Slip Stitch Edges: Edge stitches are slipped rather than knitted, creating neat, finished selvages along the front panels and other edges for a professional appearance.

Tension and Finishing

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 24 rows to a 10-centimeter square, measured over stocking stitch after light steaming. Proper tension ensures the cardigan fits correctly across all sizes and allows the cable patterns to display their intended dimensions and drape. Light steaming after completion helps set the stitches and enhances the finished appearance of the alpaca fiber.

Yarn Weight Considerations

This pattern is designed for DK (double knitting) and sport weight yarns, lightweight categories that create elegant, drape-friendly garments. The Purl Alpaca Fine yarn falls within these weight ranges, making it an ideal choice for creating a refined cardigan with excellent stitch definition and comfortable wear.