Vintage Mohair cardigan

Vintage Mohair Cardigan by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Vintage Mohair Cardigan is a classic, silky soft kid mohair cardigan designed by Jo Sharp. This garment is offered in two colour options, with both versions featuring the same construction and design details. The cardigan includes easy patch pockets and is suitable for beginners, making it an accessible project for knitters new to garment construction.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project worked primarily in the round or flat using traditional hand-knitting needles. The construction method involves shaping the body and sleeves through strategic increases and decreases, combined with ribbed edgings for a finished appearance. The cardigan demonstrates fundamental knitting techniques that are appropriate for beginner-level knitters.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch used for the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit 1, Purl 1 Ribbing (k1, p1 rib) – Used for the cuff edgings and band sections, providing elasticity and a neat finish

Shaping Techniques

The cardigan employs several shaping methods to create a fitted silhouette. Sleeve shaping is achieved through incremental increases worked at regular intervals (every 4th, 6th, and 8th rows depending on size), gradually widening the sleeve from the cuff to the armhole. Shoulder shaping uses cast-off decreases worked over multiple rows to create a sloped shoulder line, with different stitch counts for various sizes.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Kid Mohair in 3-ply weight – a luxuriously soft, lightweight yarn that creates the signature silky drape of this vintage-style cardigan
• Needles:
  • 1 pair 4.50mm needles (USA size 7, UK size 7) – used for ribbed sections
  • 1 pair 5.00mm needles (USA size 8, UK size 6) – used for the main stockinette stitch fabric
• Notions: 7 buttons, each 23mm in diameter, for the front closure

Tension and Fit

The pattern is worked to a tension of 17 stitches and 25 rows measured over 10cm (approximately 4 inches) in stockinette stitch using the 5.00mm needles. Maintaining this tension is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring the cardigan fits as designed.

Difficulty Level

This cardigan is rated as a beginner project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle simple garment shaping. The straightforward stitch patterns, clear shaping instructions, and patch pocket details provide an excellent introduction to cardigan construction without overwhelming complexity.