Boyden

Boyden Cardigan by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

The Boyden is a seamless knit cardigan designed by BeckyinVT for Sugar Tree Designs. This garment features a classic construction with a button-front closure and set-in sleeves. The cardigan is available in nine sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 55.75 inches in bust circumference, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The design includes cable panel details and is constructed to be worn with a comfortable, finished fit.

Construction Techniques

The Boyden cardigan employs a seamless knitting construction method that minimizes finishing work. The sweater body is worked seamlessly from the hem upward in the round or flat, depending on the knitter's preference. The set-in sleeves are worked in the round from the shoulders down, which allows for a tailored fit at the armhole. A helpful construction note recommends slipping the first stitch of each row; this technique makes picking up stitches for the sleeves, collar, and button bands significantly easier and creates cleaner edges for these finishing details.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout most of the Boyden is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The cardigan incorporates cable panels as a decorative element, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted stitch patterns. The pattern includes four cable panels positioned strategically on the garment. Markers are used during construction to track important points: two markers denote the side seams, and four markers are placed to help maintain the cable panel sections during knitting.

Yarn and Materials

The Boyden is designed to be knitted in DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn that creates a fabric with excellent drape and wearability. The recommended yarn is Dirty Water Dyeworks, which is composed of 85% Polworth wool and 15% silk. This blend combines the warmth and elasticity of wool with the lustrous sheen and smooth texture of silk. The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 961 yards for the smallest size to 1,975 yards for the largest size. The sample shown uses the colorway Acorn. Depending on the chosen size, knitters will need between 3 and 6 skeins of yarn, with each skein containing 380 yards and weighing 130 grams.

Needles and Notions

The Boyden requires two sets of needles to achieve the proper gauge and construction:

• US 5 (3.75 mm) needles for the main fabric, available in circular or straight needle formats for the body and in double-pointed needles (dpns) for the sleeves
• US 4 (3.5 mm) needles, one size smaller, also available in the same formats for ribbing or other stitch patterns requiring a tighter gauge

Additional notions include a cable needle for working the cable panels, six stitch markers to track key construction points, seven 1-inch (2.5 cm) buttons for the front closure, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over a 4-inch (10 cm) square when worked in stockinette stitch using the US 5 (3.75 mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit of the cardigan.

Skill Level

The Boyden is rated as a beginner-friendly knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to cardigan construction or those building their skills. While the pattern includes cable panels and seamless construction techniques, the overall design and instructions are accessible to those with basic knitting knowledge.