Gemstone Cardigan

Gemstone Cardigan by Therese Chynoweth

What is Being Made

The Gemstone Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Therese Chynoweth. This is a standard-fitting raglan cardigan available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 54¾ inches (139 cm). The cardigan features a classic construction with raglan sleeves and a front button closure, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Garment Specifications

The Gemstone Cardigan is designed to be worn with 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, standard fit. The length ranges from 22½ inches (57 cm) in the smallest size to 25¼ inches (64 cm) in the largest size, providing appropriate proportions across all size ranges. The cardigan includes a 3½-inch (9 cm) front overlap, which is typical for button-front cardigans and allows for adjustable closure options.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques. The cardigan is constructed using the raglan shaping method, which creates diagonal decreases from the armholes to the neckline, resulting in a smooth, fitted sleeve cap. The pattern is worked primarily with circular needles, allowing for seamless or nearly seamless construction. The use of both longer circular needles (24 inches and 32 inches) and double-pointed needles accommodates the transition from working flat or in the round at different stages of the project.

The intermediate skill level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with fundamental techniques including increases and decreases for shaping, working with circular needles, and managing multiple stitches. The raglan construction method requires attention to stitch placement and shaping sequences, making this project suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic garter stitch or stockinette projects.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the complete stitch pattern details are not fully visible in the provided content, the Gemstone Cardigan appears to utilize fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for a chunky-weight yarn. The pattern instructions are written for the smallest size with larger sizes indicated in parentheses, a standard approach that allows knitters to follow a single set of instructions while adjusting stitch counts and row counts for their chosen size.

Yarn and Materials

The Gemstone Cardigan is designed for chunky weight yarn, also classified as Bulky #5 weight. The pattern is shown in Berroco Millefiori Big, a blend of 50% wool and 50% acrylic that provides warmth, durability, and easy care. This yarn yields 93 yards (85 meters) per 3½ ounce (100 gram) ball.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• XS: 6 balls, approximately 549 yards (502 meters)
• S: 7 balls, approximately 619 yards (566 meters)
• M: 8 balls, approximately 685 yards (626 meters)
• L: 9 balls, approximately 751 yards (687 meters)
• XL: 9 balls, approximately 830 yards (759 meters)
• 2XL: 10 balls, approximately 904 yards (827 meters)

Needles and Tools

The Gemstone Cardigan pattern requires US 11 [8 mm] circular needles in both 24-inch (60 cm) and 32-inch (80 cm) lengths, along with a set of 4 or 5 double-pointed needles in the same size. These needles are used to obtain the correct gauge for the pattern. The pattern also calls for US 10½ [6.5 mm] circular needles, which are typically used for ribbed edgings or cuffs that require a tighter gauge than the main body of the cardigan. Knitters should select needle sizes based on achieving the specified gauge to ensure proper fit and finished measurements.

The combination of different needle sizes and lengths allows knitters to work various sections of the cardigan efficiently, from the body worked on longer circular needles to sleeve caps and neckline finishing worked on shorter needles or double-pointed needles.