Coral Classic

Coral Cardigan by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Coral Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Hatton, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This intermediate-level garment is crafted to fit bust sizes ranging from 32-34 inches through 48-50 inches, with corresponding finished widths from 92 cm to 142 cm. The cardigan features a full length of approximately 48.5 to 52 cm, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

The Coral Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques that build on intermediate-level skills. The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff created through alternating knit and purl stitches, establishing a classic fitted edge. A key decorative technique featured in the pattern is the yarn over (yo) increase, which creates openwork details and visual interest throughout the garment. The pattern demonstrates stitch manipulation by working increases into single stitches, transforming one stitch into three stitches to create texture and lace-like effects. The design also incorporates strategic purl stitches worked on right-side rows to create contrasting texture against stockinette stitch sections.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 rib) create the foundation and cuff
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows for smooth fabric sections
• Reverse Stockinette: Purl on right-side rows to create textured panels
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used to create increases and decorative openwork details
• Increases: Multiple stitches worked into a single stitch (K1, yo, K1) to create texture and shaping

Materials and Specifications

The Coral Cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and definition. The pattern specifies Coopknits Socks Yeak DK, a yarn composed of 75% Wool and 25% Nylon, providing durability and elasticity alongside the warmth of wool fiber. The nylon content adds resilience and helps the garment maintain its shape through regular wear and washing.

Knitting needles required for this project include 3.25mm needles for the ribbed cuff sections and 4mm needles for the main body of the cardigan. The needle size change creates a subtle transition from the fitted ribbing to the slightly more relaxed main fabric, a technique commonly used to enhance garment fit and structure. Sleeve seams measure between 32 to 34 cm depending on size, with the cardigan designed to accommodate various sleeve lengths across the size range.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized by five size options, clearly delineated in brackets throughout the instructions. Each size provides specific stitch counts and measurements, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired finished bust width. The cast-on row begins with 107 stitches for the smallest size, increasing to 167 stitches for the largest size, with intermediate options at 119, 137, and 149 stitches. This graduated sizing system ensures proper proportions across the full range of garment sizes.