Ginkgo Cardigan

Ginkgo Cardigan by yellowcosmo

What is Being Made

The Ginkgo Cardigan is a reversible knit cardigan designed by Connie Peng of yellowcosmo designs. This intermediate-level garment features a distinctive contrast-color leaf motif at the neckline, allowing the wearer to style the cardigan in multiple ways. The reversible construction means both sides of the fabric can be worn as the exterior, offering versatility in how the piece is displayed and worn. The cardigan is available in nine sizes ranging from 31 inches to 54 inches, accommodating a wide range of body measurements.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its reversible design and structured silhouette. The pattern recommends using a felted join, also known as a spit splice, to seamlessly connect yarn sections—a technique that creates invisible joins ideal for reversible garments where seams would be visible from both sides. The reversible nature of the cardigan requires careful attention to stitch selection and construction methods to ensure both sides are equally polished and wearable.

The neckline features a contrast-color leaf design that serves as a focal point. Because the cardigan has some drape at the neck, the pattern advises selecting a yarn with a firmer body to maintain the leaf shape unless an unstructured aesthetic is specifically desired. This consideration ensures the decorative element holds its form rather than collapsing under its own weight.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the base of the cardigan. Stockinette stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture on the front and horizontal bumps on the reverse. This stitch is ideal for reversible garments because it looks intentional on both sides when properly constructed.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Ginkgo Cardigan is designed for worsted-weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that provides good stitch definition and drape. The pattern was created using Dream in Color Classy in worsted weight, with Quince and Co Lark suggested as an alternative option. Both of these yarns are chosen for their firmer body, which helps maintain the structure of the leaf motif at the neckline.

Yarn quantities vary by size:

• Main Color: 980 yards (smallest size 31) to 1,950 yards (largest size 54)
• Contrast Color: 30 yards for all sizes

Knitting needles required are US #6 (4.0mm), though the pattern notes that needle size may be adjusted to achieve the correct gauge. The gauge for this cardigan is 19 stitches by 26 rows over a 4-inch by 4-inch swatch in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit, and the pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning the project.

Notions and Closures

The cardigan requires four buttons measuring 7/16 inches in diameter for the front closure. Alternatively, the pattern notes that snaps may be used instead of buttons if a permanent closure position is preferred. This flexibility allows makers to choose the closure method that best suits their aesthetic preferences and functional needs.

Design Considerations

As an intermediate-level knitting project, the Ginkgo Cardigan assumes familiarity with fundamental knitting techniques and the ability to follow complex pattern instructions. The reversible construction and decorative leaf motif add complexity beyond basic cardigan construction, making this pattern suitable for knitters with some experience. The emphasis on yarn selection—specifically choosing a yarn with adequate body to support the neckline leaf—demonstrates the importance of understanding how yarn characteristics affect the final garment's appearance and wearability.