Elodie

Elodie Cardigan by Jody Long

What is Being Made

The Elodie is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Jody Long, available in three size options to fit chest measurements from 81-91 cm (32-36 inches) up to 116-127 cm (46-50 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished cardigan with a length from the top of shoulders ranging from 64 cm to 72 cm (25 to 28¼ inches), depending on the size selected. The design is worked in a vibrant Crimson shade, though the pattern accommodates various colorways.

Techniques Used

This cardigan project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The construction involves working with double knit yarn weight, which creates a fabric with good structure and drape. Tension control is emphasized as a critical step before beginning the garment—knitters are instructed to check their tension carefully to ensure the correct number of stitches per 10 cm. Adjustments to needle size may be necessary if tension runs tight or loose. The pattern uses both knit and purl stitches to create the fabric structure, with increases and decreases incorporated for shaping.

Stitches Used

The Elodie cardigan utilizes essential knitting stitches including:

• Knit (K) — the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (P) — used in combination with knit stitches for texture and stitch definition
• Increases (inc) — worked by knitting into both the front and back of a stitch to add stitches for shaping
• Decreases (dec) — created by working two stitches together to reduce stitch count for fitted areas
• Through back of loops (tbl) — a technique for twisting stitches to create a refined appearance

Materials

The Elodie cardigan requires Stylecraft Life Double Knit yarn in shade Crimson 2411. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size requires 6 balls of 100g, the medium size requires 7 balls, and the largest size requires 8 balls of 100g each. Knitters will need two pairs of needles in different sizes: 3.25mm (UK 10) needles and 4mm (UK 8) needles. The use of two needle sizes is typical in knitting patterns to create different fabric densities—often smaller needles for ribbed edges and larger needles for the main body. Sleeve seams measure between 42-44 cm (16½ to 17½ inches) across the three sizes.

Pattern Notes

Knitters should note that yarn quantities provided are approximate and based on average requirements. It is important to verify the actual yarn color against the printed pattern, as printing may not accurately represent the true shade of the yarn. Proper tension checking before starting the garment is essential to ensure the finished cardigan achieves the intended measurements and fit.