Bellis cardigan

Bellis Cardigan by Maloraé Designs

What is Being Made

The Bellis cardigan is an advanced-level knitted garment designed as a button-front cardigan available in eight sizes ranging from size 0 through size 7. This downloadable PDF pattern provides comprehensive instructions for creating a fitted, wearable cardigan with tailored construction and professional finishing details.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern accommodates a wide range of body sizes with the following finished measurements:

• Bust circumference: 85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, or 155 cm (33.5, 37.5, 41, 45, 50, 53, 57, or 61 inches)
• Upper arm circumference: 30, 31, 32, 34, 37, 38, 42, or 45 cm (11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 14.5, 15, 16.5, or 18 inches)
• Length from underarm to hem: 30 cm (12 inches)
• Sleeve length from underarm to cuff: 46 cm (18 inches)

The pattern recommends approximately 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) of positive ease for comfortable wear.

Yarn and Materials

The Bellis cardigan is designed to be knit with sport weight yarn at 300 meters per 100 grams. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 875 meters (960 yards) for the smallest size to 1,595 meters (1,745 yards) for the largest size. The pattern example uses Sweet Sport Highland from Petit Bout de Laine in colorway Pop 8.

Additional materials required include:

• Two sets of needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) for the body and 3.25 mm (US 4) for ribbing
• Stitch markers and stitch holders for managing stitches during construction
• Six buttons measuring 18 mm for the front closure

Gauge

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 10 cm (5 inches) in the pattern stitch used on the fronts chart, measured on 3.75 mm (US 5) needles after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements specified in the pattern.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Bellis cardigan incorporates several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its advanced difficulty rating:

• I-cord: Used for functional and decorative edging details throughout the garment
• Three-needle bind off: Applied for seamless, professional finishing where pieces are joined
• Chart-based colorwork or stitch patterns: The fronts are worked from a chart, indicating the use of patterned stitching rather than stockinette stitch alone
• Ribbing: Created with the smaller 3.25 mm needles to provide elasticity and structure at cuffs and edges

Construction Method

The cardigan is constructed using a combination of techniques typical of modern knitwear design. Pieces are knit separately and then joined using three-needle bind off for durability and a polished appearance. The pattern includes detailed shaping for the armholes and neckline to ensure proper fit across the size range.

Skill Level

Rated as advanced, the Bellis cardigan is best suited for experienced knitters who are comfortable reading charts, managing multiple techniques simultaneously, and executing precise shaping and finishing. The combination of charted stitch patterns, tailored construction, and professional finishing techniques requires strong foundational knitting skills.