Glenna

Glenna Cardigan by Caroline Murphy

What is Being Made

Glenna is a classic children's cardigan designed by Caroline Murphy, available as a downloadable PDF knitting pattern. This top-down cardigan features a button-front closure and is sized to fit chest measurements of 21", 23", and 25", with corresponding finished chest measurements of 24", 26", and 28". The garment offers three length options ranging from 12" to 14" from shoulder, making it suitable for various ages and preferences.

Construction Method

The Glenna cardigan is constructed using a top-down knitting approach, which allows for easy customization and fitting as you work. The body is worked back and forth in rows using flat knitting, while the sleeves are worked in the round using circular needles. This hybrid construction method combines the simplicity of flat knitting for the main body with the seamless advantages of circular knitting for the sleeves. Sleeve length options range from 8.5" to 11.5" from the underarm, providing flexibility for different seasons and preferences.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques and stitches:

• Moss Stitch - A textured stitch pattern that creates a bumpy, woven appearance. On the right side, moss stitch is worked as alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1). On the wrong side, the pattern is reversed by knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches, creating the characteristic texture.
• Increases - Multiple increase methods are used for shaping, including the lifted increase (picking up the loop between stitches and knitting into the back), and the kfb (knit into front and back) technique, which adds one stitch per increase.
• Decreases - Shaping is achieved through k2tog (knitting two stitches together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases, which reduce stitch counts for fitted shaping.
• Circular Knitting - The sleeves are worked in the round, requiring the use of stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points.
• Seaming and Finishing - The pattern includes button bands and a button-front closure, requiring three buttons for fastening.

Materials Required

Yarn: This pattern is designed for aran weight yarn, which is a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating structured, durable garments with good stitch definition. Yardage requirements vary by size: 330 yards for the smallest size (21" chest), 390 yards for the medium size (23" chest), and 460 yards for the largest size (25" chest).

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for 5mm circular needles in a 24" length for the main body and sleeves, or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. Additionally, 4mm needles are needed, likely for ribbing or edging. Three buttons are required for the front closure. Stitch markers (4 recommended) help track pattern repeats and construction points, and scrap yarn is needed for provisional cast-on or stitch holders.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches when worked on 5mm needles with aran weight yarn. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the cardigan fits as designed.

Skill Level

Glenna is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The pattern requires comfort with top-down construction, working in the round, multiple increase and decrease methods, and stitch pattern reading.