Dune Walk Cardigan

Dune Walk Cardigan by Irina Anikeeva

What is Being Made

The Dune Walk Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Irina Anikeeva, available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL to fit bust measurements from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) up to 48-50 inches (122-127 cm). This garment is worked as a single piece from the top down, offering a seamless construction method that simplifies assembly and creates a professional finish.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. The garment is constructed using top-down raglan shaping, a popular method that begins at the neckline and increases stitches progressively to form the sleeve caps and body. This approach allows for easy fit adjustments and the ability to try on the garment during the knitting process.

The pattern utilizes circular needles throughout construction to accommodate the large number of stitches required for the body and sleeves, even when working flat sections. This technique is essential for managing the stitch count efficiently and preventing strain on the yarn.

Selvedge stitches are incorporated into the front edges, marked with brackets in the pattern instructions, to create clean, finished edges suitable for button bands or closures. All stitches are slipped purlwise, a technique that maintains consistent edge tension and creates a polished appearance along the cardigan's front opening.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch pattern used throughout most of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side
• Garter Rib Pattern – A textured stitch combination used in specific sections, providing elasticity and visual interest while maintaining structure
• Selvedge Stitches – Edge stitches worked purlwise to create clean, finished borders along the front panels

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch when worked on US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles and measured after blocking. The same gauge applies to the Garter Rib pattern sections on the same needle size after blocking, ensuring consistency throughout the finished garment.

Materials Required

The Dune Walk Cardigan is designed to be knitted with fingering weight yarn, a lightweight 4-ply yarn that creates a delicate, refined fabric. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 1540 yards (1408 meters) for the XS size up to 2500 yards (2286 meters) for the 2XL size. The pattern calls for US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles to accommodate the stitch counts and construction method.

Sizing and Fit

The cardigan is offered with intended positive ease of 3-5 inches (8-13 cm), meaning the finished bust circumference is designed to be slightly larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for comfortable wearing room. The finished bust circumferences range from 32 inches (81 cm) for XS to 53 inches (135 cm) for 2XL. The sample shown in the pattern is size M with a finished bust circumference of 41 inches (104 cm), displayed on a 37-inch (94 cm) bust with 4 inches (10 cm) of positive ease.