Trowbridge Cardigan

Trowbridge Cardigan by Valerie Hobbs

What Is Being Made

The Trowbridge Cardigan is a classic wrap-style cardigan designed by Valerie Hobbs, created as a downloadable knitting pattern for intermediate-level crafters. This elegant garment features a distinctive cable collar, gently curved hemline with extra length at the back, and subtle A-line shaping that creates a flattering silhouette. Set-in sleeves complete the timeless design, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Trowbridge Cardigan is available in seven sizes with bust measurements ranging from 34½ inches to 62½ inches. The garment is designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Back length at the shoulder varies from 24¾ inches in the smallest size to 28¼ inches in the largest size, while the front length is consistently 2½ inches shorter than the back length. The fronts overlap slightly at the bust, creating a wrap-style closure.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project incorporates several key techniques that add visual interest and structure to the finished garment. The standout feature is the cable collar that hugs the neckline, requiring cable knitting skills and stitch manipulation. The A-line shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked throughout the body of the cardigan. Set-in sleeves demand careful measurement and shaping to ensure proper fit and professional construction. The curved hemline, particularly the extended length at the back, requires attention to stitch counts and shaping sequences to create the intended silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While the PDF excerpt does not detail every stitch used in the pattern, the cable collar indicates the use of cable stitches as a primary decorative element. The A-line shaping and set-in sleeves require proficiency with increases and decreases to create smooth, professional-looking transitions. The pattern is worked in worsted weight yarn on U.S. size 7 needles, which typically produces stockinette stitch as the foundation fabric, with cables and shaping worked into the overall construction.

Yarn and Materials

The Trowbridge Cardigan is designed for worsted weight or aran weight yarn, offering flexibility in yarn selection while maintaining the intended drape and finished dimensions. The pattern calls for 1170 to 2255 yards of yarn depending on the chosen size, requiring 6 to 11 skeins. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Malabrigo Rios, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn in the colorway "Gris" (color 212), which provides softness, durability, and easy care for this cozy cardigan.

Needles and Tools

Construction of the Trowbridge Cardigan requires U.S. size 7 (4.5mm) needles in a 32-inch circular format. Circular needles of this length accommodate the width of the cardigan body while allowing for both flat and in-the-round knitting techniques as needed for the pattern construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Trowbridge Cardigan is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex shaping and stitch work. The cable collar, A-line shaping, and set-in sleeves require solid understanding of cable knitting, increases and decreases, and garment construction principles, making this an excellent project for advancing knitting skills.