"Eleanor Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Women in Willow and Lark Nest

Eleanor Cardigan: Classic Boxy Knit Design by Francesca Hughes

What Is Being Made

The Eleanor Cardigan is a classic boxy cardigan designed for women, featuring a contemporary relaxed fit with a timeless silhouette. This knitting pattern is part of the Best of British Collection and comes in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81 cm (32 in) to 107 cm (42 in), with finished garment widths ranging from 96 cm (37¾ in) to 124 cm (48¾ in). The cardigan offers versatility in length options from 42 cm to 47 cm at the shoulder, with coordinating sleeve seams of approximately 43 to 45 cm. The design is inspired by light and shadow photography, creating a fabulous interplay of colour throughout the piece.

Techniques and Construction

This advanced-level knitting pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the cardigan is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier colour work and stitch manipulation. The finished pieces are then seamed together to create the final garment, which is a traditional approach that provides structure and definition to the boxy silhouette.

The pattern incorporates slip stitches and garter stitch as primary stitch techniques, which work together to create visual depth and texture. Slip stitches are used strategically to add dimension and interest, while garter stitch—created by knitting every row—provides a stable, textured fabric with excellent drape and durability. These stitch combinations give the Eleanor Cardigan its distinctive character and visual appeal.

Colour and Design Features

The Eleanor Cardigan showcases a multi-colour design with accent colours that peek through the main fabric, creating the light-and-shadow effect inspired by photography. The primary colourway features Shadow Grey as the main colour (A), paired with Verdigris Green (B) and Garnet (C) as accent shades. An alternative colourway option is available with Red Rose as the main colour (A) and Night Sky (B) as the secondary shade. The accent colours are cleverly coordinated to match the button band and cuffs, creating a cohesive and intentional design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Eleanor Cardigan is designed to be worked in Willow & Lark Nest yarn, a luxurious DK weight yarn composed of 69% wool, 11% cashmere, and 20% Tencel. This blend creates a fabric that is both warm and breathable, with the cashmere providing softness and the Tencel adding a subtle sheen and drape. Each ball contains 50 grams (1¾ ounces) of yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: smaller sizes require 3 balls each of colours A and B with 3 balls of colour C, while larger sizes require up to 5 balls of the main colour and 5 balls of the secondary colour, with 4 balls of the accent shade.

Skill Level and Pattern Complexity

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with multi-colour knitting, seaming techniques, and reading complex stitch patterns. The combination of slip stitches, garter stitch work, and colour changes requires attention to detail and solid foundational knitting skills. Knitters should be familiar with cast-on and cast-off methods, increasing and decreasing stitches, and seaming pieces together with precision to achieve the polished, boxy silhouette that defines this classic cardigan design.