Vanessa

Vanessa Cardigan by Marie Wallin

About This Design

Vanessa is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Marie Wallin from the Bloomsbury collection. This downloadable PDF pattern offers a sophisticated garment suitable for experienced knitters seeking a complex, multi-colored construction.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements of 81–86 cm (32–34 in), 91–97 cm (36–38 in), 102–107 cm (40–42 in), 112–117 cm (44–46 in), and 122–127 cm (48–50 in). Finished garment width ranges from 46 cm (18 in) for the smallest size to 70.5 cm (28 in) for the largest.

Yarn and Materials

Vanessa is knitted using Rowan Felted Tweed, a DK-weight yarn available in ten coordinated colorways. The pattern incorporates:

• Cumin (color 193)
• Clay (color 177)
• Amethyst (color 192)
• Avocado (color 161)
• Ginger (color 154)
• Lotus Leaf (color 205)
• Duck Egg (color 173)
• Stone (color 190)
• Peony (color 183)
• Iris (color 201)

Yarn quantities vary by size, with total yardage requirements ranging from approximately 950 gm to 1,200 gm across all five sizes. The pattern also requires five TGB 2307 buttons for the cardigan front closure.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires two pairs of needles: 2¾mm (US 2) needles and 3¼mm (US 3) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings, while the larger needles accommodate the main body fabric.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

As an advanced-level pattern, Vanessa employs sophisticated knitting techniques including intarsia colorwork or stranded colorwork to integrate the ten Rowan Felted Tweed colors into the design. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and requires proficiency in reading complex stitch instructions.

Key techniques include:

• Casting off at strategic points to shape armholes and neckline
• Working increases and decreases to achieve proper fit and shaping
• Managing multiple stitches on holders for later grafting or binding off
• Coordinating color changes across rows to create the intended pattern
• Ribbed edgings for cuffs, hem, and button bands

Construction Method

The cardigan is constructed in pieces—front panels, back panel, and sleeves—which are then seamed together. The pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions for shaping the body, armholes, and neckline. Cast-off sequences are staggered across multiple rows to create sloped armhole and neck shaping. Stitches are held on holders during construction, allowing for precise finishing and button band attachment.

Finished Garment Details

The completed cardigan features a button-front closure with five buttons, making it a practical everyday layer. The use of Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, combined with the ten-color palette, creates a rich, textured appearance suitable for both casual and refined styling.