Heathered

Heathered Cardigan by Melissa Schaschwary

What is Being Made

Heathered is a knitted cardigan pattern designed by independent designer Melissa Schaschwary. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan suitable for intermediate knitters, available in six sizes ranging from 30 inches to 50 inches bust measurement. The pattern uses a raglan shaping construction, which creates diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline, a hallmark of traditional cardigan design.

Knitting Techniques

The Heathered cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structured silhouette. The pattern begins with a Long Tail Cast On, a foundational technique that creates an elastic, finished edge ideal for garment construction. Raglan shaping is the primary construction method, achieved through strategic increases placed at marked intervals throughout the body and sleeves. This technique gradually widens the garment while maintaining clean, diagonal lines.

The cardigan features stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side and textured wrong side. Stitch markers are used throughout to denote raglan increase points and section boundaries, ensuring consistent shaping across the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates the following specific stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette stitch – the main fabric stitch, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Kfb (knit front and back) – an increase that creates one new stitch from a single stitch
• M1R (make one right) – a directional increase that leans to the right
• M1L (make one left) – a directional increase that leans to the left
• Sm (slip marker) – moving stitch markers to track pattern sections

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The recommended yarn for Heathered is Chickadee by Quince and Co., a Sport weight yarn classified as 5-ply construction with 12 wraps per inch. This yarn weight is lighter than standard DK weight, creating a refined drape suitable for a cardigan. Each skein contains 181 yards (166 meters), and yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (30 inches) requires 995 yards (910 meters), while the largest size (50 inches) requires 1800 yards (1646 meters).

The pattern calls for US 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles in 24-inch length for the main fabric, which produces the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. US 4/3.5mm circular needles in 24-inch length are used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, creating a tighter, more elastic finish. Optional 4 double-pointed needles (dpns) in both US 7/4.5mm and US 4/3.5mm sizes are listed for working small circumferences, such as sleeve caps or necklines, though circular needles can substitute.

Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, the Heathered cardigan requires the following notions for completion:

• 4 stitch markers – for tracking raglan shaping points
• 1 darning needle – for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if necessary
• 7 buttons – for the button band closure
• 1 yard of linen ribbon – a decorative and functional finishing element

This collection of notions supports the cardigan's professional finish and ensures secure closure and neat construction details throughout the garment.