Silversmith

Silversmith Cardigan by Meghan Jackson

Garment Overview

Silversmith is an open-front cardigan featuring a distinctive soft, unstructured, scarf-like edging that frames the front opening. Designed by independent knitwear designer Meghan Jackson, this seamless top-down cardigan combines elegant styling with accessible construction, making it a versatile piece suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Method

This cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, continuous fabric. The top-down construction method allows for easy customization and fitting adjustments as you progress through the pattern. The unstructured scarf-like edging is an integral design feature that adds visual interest and movement to the garment's front.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat front and textured back
• Cable Twists: Optional cable work incorporated into the design, worked with a cable needle for added texture and visual detail
• Seamless Construction: Worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating side seams for a polished finish
• Provisional Cast On: Optional technique using waste yarn and a crochet hook for a flexible starting edge, particularly useful for the top-down approach

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Malabrigo Arroyo in colorway 43 Plomo, a 100% superwash merino yarn. This sport-weight yarn offers 335 yards per 100-gram skein, providing a soft, durable fiber suitable for garments requiring drape and comfort.

Yardage Requirements: Ranging from 900 yards for the smallest size (32") to 1,850 yards for the largest size (52"), with 12 size options accommodating bust measurements from 32 to 52 inches. Most sizes require 4 to 6 skeins of yarn.

Needles: US #5 (3.75mm) circular needles for the main body construction, with optional US #5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles available for sleeve work. Needle selection should be adjusted as needed to meet the specified gauge.

Additional Tools: Cable needle (optional for working twists), waste yarn and crochet hook (optional for provisional cast on), yarn needle for finishing, and a minimum of 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rows over a 4-inch square in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The cardigan is available in 12 sizes ranging from 32 to 52 inches in bust circumference, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an advanced knitting project, Silversmith is designed for experienced knitters comfortable with seamless top-down construction, shaping techniques, and optional cable work. The pattern assumes familiarity with fundamental knitting skills and the ability to read and interpret detailed knitting instructions.