Frances

Frances Cardigan by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Frances is a classic cardigan design from the Bloomsbury collection, created by independent designer Marie Wallin. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a fitted cardigan available in five sizes ranging from small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through to extra-extra-large (to fit bust 122-127 cm / 48-50 in). The cardigan features button-front closure and is photographed in the Duck Egg colorway, showcasing a sophisticated, timeless silhouette suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Craft and Techniques

Frances is designed as a knitting project using primarily circular needles and double-pointed needles to construct the garment in the round where possible. The pattern employs steek construction, a traditional technique that allows knitters to work seamlessly in the round and then cut the fabric to create the cardigan front opening. This method is secured with fine woven ribbon applied to the inside of the steek to prevent unraveling and provide a professional finish. The design demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skills, requiring familiarity with circular needle techniques, steeking, and button band finishing.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch patterns are referenced in the pattern schematic, the Frances cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in a structured construction. The pattern includes ribbed edgings and bands, which are typical finishing elements that provide elasticity and a polished appearance to cuffs, hem, and button bands. The use of multiple needle sizes—from 2¾mm through 3¼mm—indicates gauge changes throughout the design, likely creating textural variation or shaping details within the garment structure.

Materials and Yarn

Frances is designed to be knitted in Rowan Felted Tweed, a DK weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 8 x 50g balls, while the largest size requires 12 x 50g balls. Rowan Felted Tweed is a wool-rich blend known for its subtle texture and excellent stitch definition, making it an ideal choice for a cardigan where garment structure and shaping details are important design elements.

Needles and Notions

• 1 pair of 2¾mm (US 2) straight needles
• 2¾mm (US 2) circular needle
• 3mm (US 2/3) circular needle
• 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle
• Set of 4 double-pointed 2¾mm (US 2) needles
• Set of 4 double-pointed 3mm (US 2/3) needles
• 2¾mm (US 2) crochet hook (for finishing details)
• 3¼mm (US 3) crochet hook
• Fine woven ribbon to cover steek on inside
• 11 TGB 2307 buttons, 15mm size, available from Textile Garden

Design Details

The Frances cardigan includes a button band featuring 11 buttons, providing a classic front closure. The pattern provides detailed schematic measurements for each size, with finished bust measurements clearly indicated. The inclusion of a crochet hook in the materials list suggests crochet may be used for certain finishing techniques, possibly for securing the steek or creating button bands with additional structure.