Basic chic v-neck cardi

Basic Chic V-Neck Cardi by Bonne Marie Burns

What Is Being Made

The Basic Chic V-Neck Cardi is a classic cardigan sweater designed by Bonne Marie Burns, featured in Chic Knits 4.5 AW #8. This is a versatile, everyday cardigan with a flattering v-neckline and a refined silhouette suitable for multiple occasions. The garment is available in six sizes, with finished chest measurements ranging from 34 inches to 54 inches and finished lengths from 22 inches to 25 inches, making it adaptable for various body types and style preferences.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using knitting as the primary craft. The cardigan is worked primarily in stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch, which are fundamental knitting techniques that create smooth, classic fabric textures. The body of the garment features strategic shaping that occurs every eighth row to achieve a flattering fit, while simultaneous neckline shaping creates the distinctive v-neck design. The ribbed hem at the lower edge provides structure and prevents rolling, a common finishing technique in knit garments.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The construction relies on several key stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — The primary stitch used throughout the body, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st) — Purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows to create textural variation
• Ribbed Hem — A 1- to 1.25-inch ribbed section at the cast-on edge, worked in alternating knit and purl stitches [K1, P1] to create elasticity and a finished appearance
• Slip Stitches (Sl 1 pwise) — Used at front edges to create neat, finished selvage edges
• Increases and Decreases — Applied strategically every eighth row to shape the body and neckline

Materials and Tools Required

This cardigan is worked in aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits at a moderate gauge. The yardage requirements vary by size: 975 yards for the smallest size (34" chest) up to 1,420 yards for the largest size (54" chest). The project requires two circular needles — a smaller #7 (4.5mm) needle for the ribbed hem and a larger #8 (5mm) needle for the body — worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles. Additional tools include double-pointed needles (DPN), a 29-inch circular needle, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, scrap yarn for provisional stitches, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and a sewing needle for attaching hardware. The cardigan is finished with one 1- to 1.25-inch button and one large snap for closure.

Skill Level and Construction Approach

Rated as a beginner difficulty project, the Basic Chic V-Neck Cardi is accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward stitch patterns and systematic shaping make it an ideal introduction to cardigan knitting. The use of circular needles allows for seamless construction and the ability to try on the garment as it progresses, a practical feature for achieving proper fit in a beginner-friendly design.