Classic Cardi

Classic Cardi by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

The Classic Cardi is a six-size knitted cardigan designed by Pat Menchini, available in bust sizes ranging from 76-81 cm (30-32 inches) through to 127-132 cm (50-52 inches). This downloadable knitting pattern produces a fitted cardigan with button closure, offering a timeless wardrobe staple suitable for knitters of all experience levels.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for those new to cardigan construction. The pattern employs standard garment shaping techniques including bust shaping and shoulder shaping to create a well-fitted silhouette. The cardigan features a button-front closure with eight buttons, requiring basic finishing skills such as button band attachment and buttonhole placement.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Classic Cardi is stockinette stitch (st-st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. This fundamental knit stitch is ideal for beginners and provides an elegant canvas for the cardigan's simple, timeless design.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for two complementary DK weight yarns. The main yarn is Stylecraft Life Changes DK in shade A Plums (2707), requiring between 3 and 5 100g balls depending on size (approximately 298 metres or 326 yards per ball). The contrast or accent yarn is Stylecraft Bellissima DK in shade B Flaming Fuchsia (3978), requiring 1 to 2 100g balls depending on size (approximately 268 metres or 293 yards per ball).

Needles: The pattern requires three pairs of knitting needles in different sizes: 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3), 4 mm (UK 8, US 6), and 4.5 mm (UK 7, US 7). The varied needle sizes allow for proper tension control across different sections of the garment, with smaller needles typically used for ribbing and larger needles for the main body.

Notions: Eight buttons are required to complete the cardigan's front closure.

Tension and Fit

The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the 4 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit, as the cardigan's actual bust measurements range from 90 cm (35½ inches) in the smallest size to 145 cm (57¼ inches) in the largest size. Length to shoulder shaping varies slightly across sizes, from 56 cm (22¼ inches) to 62 cm (24¾ inches), while all sizes feature a consistent sleeve seam length of 44 cm (17½ inches).