Somerset Cardigan

Somerset Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle

What is Being Made

The Somerset Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Melissa Wehrle. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in seven sizes, ranging from a finished bust of 30 inches to 53 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a refined length between 19.5 and 23.5 inches depending on size, and is designed to be worn with 1 inch of negative ease for a tailored fit. The piece is finished with four decorative buttons measuring 11/16 inches each.

Techniques Used

The Somerset Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The construction involves casting on to establish the foundation stitches, ribbing for the edgings and cuffs, and texture stitching for the main body fabric. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases to create the cardigan's silhouette. The pattern requires binding off to secure stitches and finish edges. Additional techniques include seaming (implied through the use of a tapestry needle) to join pieces together, and button band construction to accommodate the four-button closure.

Stitches Used

The Somerset Cardigan utilizes a limited palette of essential knitting stitches, keeping the pattern accessible for intermediate knitters:

• Knit stitch (k) – the foundational stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches
• 1x1 ribbing – alternating knit and purl stitches used for cuffs, waistband, and button bands for elasticity and structure
• Texture stitch – the main stitch pattern for the cardigan body, worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) – a decrease worked on wrong-side rows
• Make 1 (M1) – an increase technique for adding stitches during shaping

Materials

The Somerset Cardigan is crafted using premium materials specified for luxury and drape. The yarn is Black Pearl DK Cashmere, a 100% cashmere yarn in the DK (double knitting) weight category. Each skein contains 2 ounces and yields 200 yards, with yardage requirements ranging from 5 skeins for the smallest sizes to 8 skeins for the largest sizes, depending on the finished bust measurement selected. The color is Chai Tea, a warm neutral tone.

The needles required are US size 5 (3.75mm) straight needles for working the texture stitch at the primary gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches, and US size 4 (3.5mm) straight needles for the ribbed sections, which are worked at a slightly stretched gauge of 30 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches. Additional notions include a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and four buttons measuring 11/16 inches in diameter to complete the front closure.