Moore

Moore Cardigan by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

What is Being Made

Moore is a lightweight, asymmetrical cardigan designed by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud as a beginner-friendly knitting project. This garment features minimal manipulation and vertical textural lines, making it an accessible choice for knitters new to cardigan construction. The design is offered in nine sizes ranging from 30" to 62" bust circumference (76.20 cm to 157.50 cm), allowing for a wide range of fit options. The sample shown measures 38" and is modeled with 3½" of positive ease, demonstrating how the cardigan sits comfortably on the body.

Techniques and Construction

Moore employs straightforward knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The cardigan is constructed using circular needles for both the body and sleeves, a method that allows for seamless or minimal-seam construction. The design incorporates vertical lines that create texture and visual interest without requiring complex stitch patterns or extensive shaping. The asymmetrical construction adds contemporary style while maintaining simplicity in execution. Closure is achieved using nine small transparent snap fasteners, which are sewn in place rather than requiring button bands or buttonholes, further simplifying the finishing process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout Moore is stockinette stitch (St st), the most fundamental knit stitch pattern. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric with horizontal bumps on the reverse side and vertical lines on the face. The vertical lines mentioned in the design description are created through the natural characteristics of stockinette stitch combined with the cardigan's construction method. This straightforward stitch choice makes the pattern ideal for beginner knitters while allowing the yarn and garment shaping to be the focal points of the design.

Yarn and Materials

Moore is designed to be knitted in Rowan Spun 4ply, a 4-ply weight yarn composed of 100% pure wool. Each 25-gram skein yields 162 yards (148 meters), making it a worsted-weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure. The pattern calls for two colors: Shade 728 in Gray as the main color (MC), requiring 6 to 8 skeins depending on size, and Shade 712 in Green as a contrast color (CC), requiring 2 to 3 skeins depending on size. The color combination creates visual interest through the vertical lines and textural drops of color throughout the cardigan.

Needles and Notions

Knitting is worked on US 5 / 3.75mm circular needles for both the body and sleeves. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, nine small transparent snap fasteners for closure, a sewing needle, matching shade sewing thread, and scissors. The transparent snap fasteners are a practical choice that allows the yarn colors and texture to remain visually prominent at the front closure.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in stockinette stitch on US 5 / 3.75mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements. Knitters are advised to always use the needle size that produces the required gauge, as individual tension varies. Swatching before beginning the project is recommended to ensure accurate sizing.