Cambridge Cardigan

Cambridge Cardigan by Linda Marveng

Project Overview

The Cambridge Cardigan is a quintessential collegiate-inspired cardigan designed by Linda Marveng. This preppy, oversized cardigan draws inspiration from Scottish tartans and is ideal for layering during chilly weather, whether worn while studying in a library, reading on the quad, or visiting a local pub. The design combines traditional knitwear aesthetics with modern construction techniques, making it a sophisticated addition to any wardrobe.

Craft and Construction Method

This is an advanced-level knitting project suitable for experienced knitters. The Cambridge Cardigan employs a highly efficient construction method that minimizes seaming. The body of the cardigan is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless fabric and allows for consistent tension throughout. Once the body is complete, the knitter performs steeks at both the center front and armholes. Steeking is an advanced technique where the knitter cuts through the knitted fabric in carefully planned locations, then secures the cut edges with reinforcement stitching before picking up stitches for the front bands and armholes. This traditional Scottish knitwear technique eliminates the need for traditional seaming and creates clean, professional finishing.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch-by-stitch details are not fully provided in the available pattern information, the Cambridge Cardigan incorporates colorwork inspired by Scottish tartan patterns. The design uses multiple yarn colors worked into the knitted fabric, likely employing stranded colorwork techniques common in traditional Fair Isle and tartan-inspired designs. The combination of the main color and contrasting colors creates the distinctive tartan aesthetic that defines this cardigan's visual character.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Cambridge Cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, accommodating a wide range of body types:

• XS: Bust 87 cm (34.25"), Length 74 cm (29"), Sleeve 49 cm (19.25")
• S: Bust 96 cm (37.75"), Length 75 cm (29.25"), Sleeve 50 cm (19.75")
• M: Bust 102 cm (40.25"), Length 76 cm (30"), Sleeve 51 cm (20")
• L: Bust 111 cm (43.75"), Length 77 cm (30.25"), Sleeve 51 cm (20")
• XL: Bust 126.5 cm (49.75"), Length 78 cm (30.75"), Sleeve 51 cm (20")
• 2XL: Bust 133 cm (52.25"), Length 79 cm (31"), Sleeve 51 cm (20")

The pattern is designed with an intended ease of +5–10 cm (2–4"), providing a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. The sample shown in size Large features approximately +40.5 cm (16") of ease on the model, demonstrating the generous, oversized silhouette characteristic of this collegiate-inspired design.

Yarn and Materials

The Cambridge Cardigan is knitted using Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift, a premium 100% wool yarn in a 4-ply weight. This yarn choice is ideal for colorwork projects, as the fine weight allows for detailed pattern definition while the wool fiber provides warmth and durability. The yardage per skein is 133 meters (115 yards) with each skein weighing 25 grams.

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Main Color (MC): Storm 243 (gray-green): 9–14 skeins depending on size
• Contrasting Color 1 (CC1): Granite 122 (light gray): yardage varies by size

Additional contrasting colors are incorporated into the tartan pattern, though complete color specifications are not fully detailed in the available pattern excerpt. Knitters will need circular needles appropriate for 4-ply yarn weight, typically in the US 1–3 range, as well as stitch markers, stitch holders, and reinforcement thread for securing the steeks.

Skill Level and Knitter Experience

This project is rated for experienced knitters and carries an advanced difficulty level