Besame Cardigan

Besame Cardigan by Nicole Peters

What Is Being Made

The Besame Cardigan is a cozy, oversized knit cardigan designed for versatility and comfort. This garment works equally well as a layering piece for chilly evenings or as a relaxed loungewear option. The intentionally oversized fit provides a comfortable, enveloping silhouette without creating an overwhelming or shapeless appearance. The cardigan features a two-color construction using contrasting yarns, allowing for creative color combinations in the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters new to garment construction. The pattern utilizes both flat and circular knitting methods, incorporating ribbed edgings for structure and stretch. Color work is achieved through the use of a main color and contrast color throughout the design. The construction method involves working the main fabric body followed by sleeve and cuff completion, with finishing techniques including binding off and assembly.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

• Knit stitch (k): The foundational stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl stitch (p): Used in ribbed sections for textural variation and elasticity
• Ribbing: Typically combining knit and purl stitches in alternating patterns to create stretchy, fitted edges
• Knit two together (k2tog): A single stitch decrease used for shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog): A decrease worked on purl rows for consistent shaping
• Cast on (CO): The foundation technique for beginning the garment
• Bind off (BO): The finishing technique for securing stitches at garment edges

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Besame Cardigan is worked in light worsted or worsted weight yarn using two colors—a main color and a contrast color. Yardage requirements vary by size and are detailed in the included size chart. The pattern example shown uses La Mia XL Mercerized Cotton in "Grey" as the main color and "Fuchsia" as the contrast color.

Needles: The pattern requires US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in both 32-inch and 16-inch lengths for the main fabric, and US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 32-inch length for ribbed sections. Needle sizes may be adjusted as needed to obtain proper gauge. The pattern optionally accommodates double-pointed needles in both sizes for working sleeves and cuffs in the round.

Notions: Additional supplies include stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches during construction, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.