Effects Joan's Cardigan in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® - W609 - Downloadable PDF

Effects Joan's Cardigan in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash®

Garment Overview

Effects Joan's Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Melissa Leapman and crafted from Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Effects yarn. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic button-front cardigan available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches to 55 inches and lengths from 24 to 25¼ inches. The cardigan is an ideal project for knitters looking to expand their skills with cable work and structured shaping.

Techniques and Construction

This cardigan incorporates several key knitting techniques that define its intermediate skill level. The garment features cable panel construction, which adds visual interest and textural depth to the design. The primary stitch pattern used throughout is the Double Seed Stitch Pattern, a reversible textured stitch that creates a sophisticated, nuanced fabric surface. Cable panels measuring 30 stitches across are integrated into the design, requiring the use of a cable needle for manipulating stitches. The cardigan is constructed with traditional shaping techniques including increases and decreases to create proper fit through the bust and waist areas.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Effects Joan's Cardigan relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined into specialized patterns:

• Double Seed Stitch Pattern — the primary stitch pattern used for the body of the cardigan, creating an even, textured appearance
• Cable stitches — worked using a cable needle to create twisted, dimensional cable panels
• Ribbing — typically used for cuffs, neckline, and button bands for structure and elasticity

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Effects Joan's Cardigan is designed specifically for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Effects, a 100% Superwash Wool yarn. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and yields 220 yards (200 meters) of yardage. This is a worsted weight yarn, providing excellent stitch definition and durability. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 9 balls, Medium requires 10 balls, Large requires 11 balls, 1X requires 12 balls, 2X requires 13 balls, and 3X requires 14 balls. The sample garment was worked in color #11 (Dried Flowers).

Tools and Notions

Construction of the Effects Joan's Cardigan requires US 4 and US 6 knitting needles or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The pattern specifies that gauge should be checked with the larger needles (US 6). Additional tools include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches and 2 stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction. The cardigan is finished with 7 buttons; the sample garment used One World Button Supply's Style SPN-106 36 CV.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches by 28 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working in the Double Seed Stitch Pattern with the larger needles (US 6). The 30-stitch cable panel measures 3½ inches across when worked at this gauge. The pattern emphasizes that checking gauge before beginning ensures proper finished measurements and fit across all six available sizes.