ENO

ENO Cardigan by Emily Greene

What is Being Made

The ENO Cardigan is a fall collection cardigan designed by independent designer Emily Greene. This is a classic button-front cardigan available in nine sizes, ranging from 39 inches to 70.5 inches in finished bust circumference. The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, making it an ideal project for knitters who prefer constructing garments from individual components rather than working in the round.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The garment is constructed using flat knitting, meaning each piece (front panels, back, and sleeves) is knitted separately on straight or circular needles used flat, then assembled through seaming. The pattern incorporates charted colorwork or stitch patterns, specifically referencing Chart A, which features a 30-stitch panel that measures 4.75 inches wide when blocked on the larger needles. Garter stitch ridging is used throughout the main fabric, providing a textured, reversible surface that is characteristic of garter stitch construction. The pattern also requires blocking to achieve accurate finished measurements and proper gauge.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure in the ENO Cardigan is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates horizontal ridges and is prized for its stability, reversibility, and rustic aesthetic. The pattern also incorporates charted stitch patterns, as evidenced by the reference to Chart A, which may include various knit and purl combinations to create textured or colorwork effects within the garment.

Materials and Specifications

The ENO Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Woolfolk Tov, a premium yarn composed of 100% Ovis 21 Ultimate Merino®. This yarn is spun at an Aran weight, which is a medium-heavy weight suitable for creating fabric with good drape and structure. Each skein contains 173 yards and weighs 100 grams. Yarn requirements range from 9 skeins for the smallest size to 15 skeins for the largest size, depending on which size is selected.

The pattern calls for two sizes of circular needles: a US 7 (4.5 mm) 36-inch circular needle for the main fabric and a US 6 (4.0 mm) 48-inch circular needle for ribbing or edging. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming, stitch markers, waste yarn for holding stitches, and stitch holders. The recommended gauge is 16.25 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch when worked on the larger needles and blocked.

Sizing and Fit Considerations

The ENO Cardigan is offered in nine sizes with finished bust circumferences of 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, and 70.5 inches. Emily Greene recommends selecting a size with 8 to 12 inches of positive ease for optimal fit. An important design note is that the sleeves are intentionally designed to be very slim-fitting. Knitters choosing a size with less than the recommended positive ease may need to modify the sleeve shaping or knit the sleeves in a larger size to ensure comfortable wear at the upper arm.

Difficulty Level

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The intermediate difficulty reflects the skills required for working with charted patterns, managing multiple pieces, seaming construction, and achieving proper gauge and blocking.