All Day Cardigan

All Day Cardigan by Knitatude - Chantal

What Is Being Made

The All Day Cardigan is a classic, wearable knit cardigan designed for everyday wear. This project creates a structured cardigan with a traditional button-front closure, featuring separate front panels, a back panel, and set-in sleeves. The cardigan is available in four finished sizes: XS/S and M/L, with total lengths ranging from 36 inches to 40 inches from hem to top, making it suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for crafters developing their skills. The garment is worked primarily in Stockinette Stitch, a foundational knit stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern on the front and bumpy texture on the back. The construction method involves knitting separate panels—front panels measuring 8 to 9.5 inches wide depending on size, a back panel ranging from 12 to 19 inches wide at the base, and sleeves approximately 18 inches in length for all sizes. The cardigan features a structured fit with distinct armpit shaping, positioned 27 to 31 inches up from the hem depending on size. Assembly requires seaming these pieces together and finishing with a three-needle bind-off technique, which creates a professional, flexible seam ideal for shoulder joins.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – the primary stitch throughout the cardigan, creating the smooth, polished fabric surface
• Three-Needle Bind Off – used for finishing seams with durability and flexibility, worked on double-pointed needles

Materials and Tools Required

The All Day Cardigan requires Lion Brand Lionspride Woolspun yarn in a super bulky weight. Yardage needs vary by size: XS and S sizes require 889 yards across 7 skeins, while M and L sizes need 1016 yards across 8 skeins. The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to create proper fabric density and structure. Size US 15/10 mm circular needles measuring 24 inches long are used for the main knitting on the larger gauge sections, while Size US 11/8 mm circular needles, also 24 inches long, are used for areas requiring tighter gauge control. Size US 11/8 mm double-pointed needles are specifically needed for executing the three-needle bind-off finish. Additional tools include scissors for yarn cutting and a darning needle for weaving in ends and seaming panels together.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches by 13 rows over 4 inches when knit in Stockinette Stitch on 10 mm needles. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions. The cardigan's width when laid flat ranges from 32 inches for XS/S sizes to 40 inches for M/L sizes, providing comfortable, relaxed fit across the body.

Skill Level

While the product attributes indicate a beginner difficulty level, the PDF identifies this as an Intermediate project. This reflects the skills required: basic knitting proficiency in Stockinette Stitch, ability to work with circular needles, understanding of gauge and sizing, and competency in seaming and finishing techniques including the three-needle bind-off method.