Retro Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima - DK685 - Downloadable PDF

Retro Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima

What is Being Made

This is a knitted cardigan designed by Therese Chynoweth, categorized as a knitted sweater and top. The Retro Cardigan is available in seven sizes ranging from extra-small to 3X, with bust measurements from 32 inches to 57 inches and finished lengths between 22½ and 25½ inches. The cardigan features a ¾-inch overlap front closure, making it a classic button-front style suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to create its structured, vintage-inspired design. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming construction. The bottom-up construction method means knitters begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Cable work forms a central design element, with both narrow and wide cable panels incorporated throughout the garment for visual interest and texture. The finished pieces are seamed together using a yarn needle, creating professional-looking joins at the side seams and other construction points.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with more advanced cable techniques. Core stitches include knit and purl stitches, which form the foundation of the fabric and the ribbed pattern that appears throughout. Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) are used for decreasing stitches, shaping the garment at armholes and neckline. Yarn over (yo) stitches create decorative eyelets or texture variations. The pattern also employs wrap and turn (w&t) techniques for shaping. Cable stitches are worked using a cable needle to cross groups of stitches over one another, creating the narrow cable panels measuring 1 inch wide and the wider cable panels measuring 1½ inches wide. Stitch markers and stitch holders help track pattern repeats and hold stitches during construction.

Materials

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima, 100% Pima Cotton, DK weight (light worsted), 220 yards per 100 grams. The cardigan requires 5 to 9 hanks depending on size, all in color #3801 silver, providing a neutral, sophisticated palette.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles for the main fabric
• Notions: Cable needle for working cable stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holder for holding stitches temporarily, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in the rib pattern, which is essential for achieving accurate finished measurements. The narrow cable panels measure 1 inch wide, while the wide cable panels measure 1½ inches wide, allowing knitters to verify their cable tension separately if needed.