Estelle Cardigan

Estelle Cardigan by Melissa LaBarre

What is Being Made

The Estelle Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater designed by independent designer Melissa LaBarre. This garment features a classic cardigan construction with finished bust measurements available in seven sizes ranging from 32½ inches to 51½ inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan is constructed using a combination of stockinette stitch and decorative feather and fan patterning, creating visual interest throughout the piece.

Techniques Used

The Estelle Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter. The pattern begins with a backwards loop cast on, a method where yarn is wrapped around the left thumb from front to back and secured in the palm, with the needle inserted upwards through the strand on the thumb to create each stitch. This cast-on method is worked for the desired number of stitches.

The cardigan is constructed flat on straight needles for the main body and front panels, utilizing a 29-inch circular needle in size US 7 (4.5 mm). Sleeve and neckline finishing is accomplished using circular knitting in the round, requiring a set of double-pointed needles in the same size. The combination of flat and circular knitting techniques allows for seamless construction in certain areas while maintaining the traditional cardigan front opening.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the cardigan. When working flat, stockinette stitch is created by knitting all stitches on the right side (RS) and purling all stitches on the wrong side (WS). When working in the round, stockinette stitch is achieved by knitting every round, eliminating the need to purl.
• Feather and Fan Pattern: A decorative lace pattern worked over a multiple of 11 stitches. The pattern sequence includes knit rows, yarn overs (yo), knit two together decreases (k2tog), and slip, slip, knit decreases (ssk). This creates an elegant, openwork design that adds visual texture and sophistication to the cardigan.

Materials

The Estelle Cardigan is designed to be worked in Lark by Quince & Co., a premium yarn composed of 100% American wool. This yarn carries a yardage of 134 yards per 50-gram skein, classified as a worsted weight yarn. The pattern calls for 7 to 12 skeins depending on the finished size selected, with the color shown as Peacock 109.

Needles required include one 29-inch circular needle in size US 7 (4.5 mm) and one set of double-pointed needles in the same size, or size as needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and stitch holders or waste yarn for securing stitches during construction and finishing. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch.