Queen Maxima Cardigan

Queen Maxima Cardigan by Boadicea Binnerts

What is Being Made

The Queen Maxima Cardigan is a stylish, oversized winter cardigan designed for a loose-fitting silhouette. This knitted garment features raglan sleeves with decorative yarn-over details, knit-in pockets for functionality, and a double collar for added warmth and visual interest. The cardigan is available in three sizes: XS/S, M, and L/XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 101 to 111 centimeters (40 to 44 inches) and includes 10 centimeters (4 inches) of positive ease for comfortable wear.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using a top-down knitting method, which allows for easy fitting adjustments and seamless construction from the neckline downward. The garment features several professional finishing techniques:

• Raglan sleeves that are accentuated with yarn-over (YO) details for visual texture and interest
• Knit-in pockets for practical functionality integrated directly into the body of the cardigan
• Double collar construction for enhanced structure and warmth at the neckline
• Double sleeve bands for a polished, finished appearance at the wrist
• Tubular cast-off ribbing at the hem and cuffs, creating a professional, seamless edge finish
• Front band facings that provide durability and a refined look along the button bands

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches and decreases commonly used in garment construction:

• Knit (K) – the basic knit stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl (P) – used for ribbing and textural contrast
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease stitch
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease stitch created by slipping two stitches from the left needle to the right needle, then knitting them together
• Yarn-over (YO) – creates decorative eyelets along the raglan sleeves
• Bind off (BO) – secures stitches at the completion of the garment
• Cast on (CO) – establishes the initial stitches
• Place marker (PM) – helps track pattern repeats and shaping points

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Queen Maxima Cardigan is designed to be worked in aran-weight yarn, a medium-heavy yarn that provides excellent drape and warmth suitable for winter wear. The sample garment shown measures 96 centimeters (38 inches) from neck to hem and 53 centimeters (21 inches) from armpit to armpit when laid flat and closed. Knitters will need appropriate needles for aran-weight yarn to achieve the intended fabric density and finished measurements. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format for easy access and printing.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The top-down construction method, raglan shaping, and professional finishing techniques such as tubular cast-off require familiarity with garment construction and stitch manipulation, though detailed abbreviations and instructions guide the knitter through each step.