Geneva Top-Down Cardigan #113

Geneva Top-Down Cardigan #113 by Sue McCain

What Is Being Made

The Geneva Top-Down Cardigan is an intermediate-level women's cardigan knit from the top down. This design is available in an extensive range of sizes spanning from XX-Small through 6X-Large, including three plus-size options. The finished measurements range from 27.5 inches (XX-Small) to 67 inches (6X-Large) in width, with fronts overlapped for a refined closure. This versatile cardigan is suitable for various body types and sizing preferences, making it an inclusive knitwear project.

Techniques Used

The Geneva Top-Down Cardigan employs the top-down construction method, a popular approach in modern knitting that allows knitters to begin at the neckline and work downward toward the hem. This technique provides significant advantages: knitters can try on the garment as it develops, easily adjust length to personal preference before committing to yarn, and avoid the need for seaming. The pattern incorporates overlapped fronts, a design detail that creates a sophisticated closure without traditional button bands. Knitters will work in the round for much of the construction using circular needles, then transition to flat knitting as needed for specific sections.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, top-down cardigan construction typically employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches for stockinette stitch fabric, which creates the smooth, classic appearance characteristic of this cardigan style. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases to form the body, armholes, and sleeves. Stitch markers in two different colors are used throughout construction to track pattern sections and shaping points, helping knitters maintain accuracy across the multiple size options.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Geneva Top-Down Cardigan calls for DK/light worsted weight yarn in alpaca fiber. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 1180 yards for the XX-Small to 2645 yards for the 6X-Large. The sample cardigan was knit using Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca DK, which is 100% alpaca fiber at 50 grams per 125 yards, in color #208. Knitters should note that if they plan to increase the length of the body or sleeves beyond the pattern specifications, additional yarn yardage must be purchased to accommodate these modifications.

Needles: The pattern requires multiple needle sizes and types to accommodate different sections of the cardigan. A size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches long or longer serves as the primary needle for the main body construction. Additional size 5 (3.75 mm) needles include a 12-inch circular needle and one set of five double-pointed needles for sleeve work. Size 6 (4 mm) needles are also required: one set of five double-pointed needles for sleeve shaping and three circular needles measuring 32 inches long or longer for body edging. Needle selection should be based on achieving the correct gauge as specified in the pattern.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Geneva Top-Down Cardigan requires stitch markers in two different colors to help track increases, decreases, and pattern sections throughout construction. The pattern also calls for additional notions that support the finishing process, though the complete list is not fully visible in the provided excerpt.