"Camilla Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Women in Willow and Lark Nest

Camilla Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Sarah Hatton – Willow and Lark Nest

The Camilla Cardigan is a beautifully crafted cable yoke cardigan designed by prolific British knitwear designer Sarah Hatton as part of the Willow and Lark Best of British Collection. This sophisticated women's cardigan features a striking cabled yoke that is knitted first, with stitches subsequently picked up and worked downward to complete the body — a clever and elegant construction method that gives the finished garment a seamless, polished look. Available as a downloadable PDF pattern, the Camilla Cardigan is rated as an advanced knitting project, making it an ideal challenge for experienced knitters looking to expand their skills in cables and construction techniques.

Design Overview

Designer Sarah Hatton has described herself as someone who lives in cardigans, and the Camilla Cardigan reflects that deep affection for the garment. The design centres on a richly textured cable yoke, which serves as the visual focal point of the piece. The yoke is worked first as a standalone panel, and then stitches are picked up from it to knit the body and sleeves downward — a top-down approach that allows for a smooth, flowing silhouette without the need for complex seaming at the yoke.

The cardigan is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements of 81, 91, 101, 112, and 122 cm (32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 inches), with actual bust measurements ranging from 95 cm to 129 cm (37½ to 51 inches). The finished length ranges from 57 to 65 cm (22½ to 25½ inches) depending on size, and the sleeve seam measures approximately 45 to 46 cm (17¾ to 18 inches) across all sizes. This generous range of sizing makes the pattern accessible to a wide variety of body types.

Techniques Used

The Camilla Cardigan draws on several key knitting techniques that contribute to its refined finish and structural interest:

• Cables: The defining feature of this pattern, cables are used extensively across the yoke to create a richly textured, interlocking design. Cable knitting involves crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing twisted rope-like or lattice patterns that add dimension and visual depth to the fabric.
• Worked in the round: Both the body and the sleeves are knitted in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for side seams and creates a smooth, continuous fabric. This technique is particularly well-suited to garments where a clean, uninterrupted surface is desirable.
• Buttonholes: The cardigan front bands incorporate buttonholes, neatly worked to accommodate buttons and give the garment its classic, wearable cardigan structure. Buttonhole construction requires careful placement and execution to ensure a tidy, functional finish.
• Picking up stitches: A key construction step involves picking up stitches from the completed yoke to begin working the body downward — a technique that demands precision and an understanding of stitch distribution to maintain even tension and proportion.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitches — forming the decorative yoke panel that is the centrepiece of the design
• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — likely used for the body and sleeves to provide a smooth background that allows the cable yoke to stand out
• Rib stitch — typically employed at cuffs, hems, and button bands in classic cardigan construction to provide stretch and a neat, structured edge

Materials – Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Willow and Lark Nest yarn, a luxurious DK weight yarn with a premium fibre composition of 69% Wool, 11% Cashmere, and 20% Tencel. This blend brings together the warmth and elasticity of wool, the softness and warmth-retention of cashmere, and the subtle sheen and drape of Tencel — making it an exceptionally comfortable and beautiful yarn to work with and to wear. Each ball weighs 50g (1¾oz).

Depending on size, the pattern requires 9