Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle Cardigan by Marie Wallin

About This Design

Honeysuckle is an advanced-level knitted cardigan from the Meadow collection, designed by Marie Wallin. This downloadable PDF pattern offers a sophisticated garment suitable for experienced knitters seeking a multi-colored, textured project. The cardigan features intricate colorwork and structured shaping across five size options, from small through to double extra large.

What Is Being Made

A classic-style cardigan featuring a fitted silhouette with button front closure. The garment is designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) through to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches), accommodating sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL. The pattern includes nine buttons (TGB 1167 from Textile Garden) for the front opening, making this a fully functional, wearable piece suitable for layering or standalone wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced pattern employs several sophisticated knitting techniques. Stranded colorwork is a primary feature, with yarn colors stranded across the wrong side of the work during knitting. The pattern specifies careful attention to yarn placement, noting that stranded yarn appears on the front of work during wrong-side rows and the back of work during right-side rows. Ribbed edging forms the foundation, worked in a two-color striped rib pattern that creates visual interest and structural integrity. The combination of these techniques requires intermediate to advanced skill in managing multiple colors simultaneously while maintaining even tension.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cardigan begins with a fundamental single rib pattern, established in Row 1 with alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 repeat). This rib is then developed into a striped two-color rib, where colors alternate between rows to create a bold, geometric pattern. The rib uses yarn A for purl stitches and yarn B for knit stitches in the initial setup, establishing a rhythmic color pattern. This structured approach to ribbing provides both elasticity and visual definition to the cardigan's edges and body.

Yarn and Materials

Honeysuckle is knitted using Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift, a premium 4-ply yarn that offers excellent stitch definition and vibrant color options. The pattern calls for ten distinct yarn colors across the design: Camel (141), Birch (252), Paprika (261), Moss (147), Blue Lovat (232), Bramble (155), Thistledown (237), Yellow Ochre (230), Cardinal (323), Laurel (329), and Sholmit (103). Yardage requirements vary by size, with the smallest size requiring approximately 141 meters of Camel as the primary color, while larger sizes need up to 150 meters. The rich, naturalistic color palette—featuring warm earth tones, cool blues, and jewel tones—creates a sophisticated aesthetic typical of Shetland yarn traditions.

Needles Required

The pattern specifies two needle sizes to accommodate the ribbed and main body sections. 2¾mm (US 2) needles are used for the initial ribbed sections, creating a tight, elastic edge. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the main body knitting, allowing for slightly looser gauge in the colorwork sections. This two-needle approach is standard practice in advanced knitting, ensuring proper proportions and fit throughout the garment.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is methodically organized with clear row-by-row instructions, beginning with the ribbed foundation and progressing through the colorwork sections. Instructions account for all five sizes, with yardage quantities listed for each color and size combination. The inclusion of specific button specifications (TGB 1167 from Textile Garden) demonstrates attention to finishing details, ensuring that the final garment maintains designer intent through proper button selection.