Makimono Cardigan in Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn - Downloadable PDF

Makimono Cardigan in Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn – Pattern Summary

The Makimono Cardigan is a knitted cardigan design by Jane Ellison, published as part of the Noro Family collection by Noro and produced under the Knitting Fever, Inc. (KFI) label. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern brings together the artistry of hand-knitting with the naturally variegated, self-striping beauty that Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn is celebrated for worldwide.

About the Garment

The Makimono Cardigan is a wearable, everyday knitted cardigan designed to showcase the rich colour gradients and luxurious texture of Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn. The name Makimono — a Japanese term referring to a horizontal scroll — evokes the flowing, continuous nature of Noro's signature long-repeat colour sequences, which unwind organically as the knitter works through each skein. The result is a garment that appears artfully hand-painted without requiring any deliberate colour management from the knitter.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is specifically designed for Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn, a 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn blended from a signature combination of silk, wool, and nylon. This blend gives the finished fabric a subtle sheen from the silk content, warmth and elasticity from the wool, and durability from the nylon — making it an excellent choice for a garment intended to be worn regularly. The self-striping, hand-dyed colourways of Noro Silk Garden Sock mean that no two finished cardigans will look exactly alike, lending each piece a uniquely individual character.

• Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock (4-ply / fingering weight)
• Fibre content: Silk, wool, and nylon blend
• Needle type: Knitting needles appropriate for 4-ply weight yarn (specific size indicated in the pattern PDF)

Craft and Techniques

The Makimono Cardigan is a knitting pattern, and as such it is worked using standard hand-knitting methods. Cardigans of this style typically incorporate a range of foundational and intermediate knitting techniques that combine to produce a structured, fitted, or relaxed open-front garment with sleeves.

• Knitting in the round or flat: Cardigan construction often involves working flat pieces (fronts, back, and sleeves) that are later seamed, or seamless construction methods — the specific approach is detailed within the PDF.
• Shaping techniques: Increases and decreases are used to shape the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps, giving the cardigan a tailored silhouette.
• Ribbing: Rib stitches — typically a combination of knit and purl stitches worked in alternating columns — are commonly used at cuffs, hems, and button bands to create neat, elastic edges that hold their shape.
• Stocking stitch / stockinette: The main body of the cardigan is likely worked in stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, flat fabric that allows the colourwork of Noro Silk Garden Sock to take centre stage.
• Finishing: Seaming, picking up and knitting button bands, and weaving in ends are all part of completing this garment to a professional standard.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch – the foundational stitch of all knitting, creating smooth V-shaped loops on the right side of the fabric
• Purl stitch – used in combination with knit stitches to form ribbing and textural details
• Rib stitch – alternating knit and purl columns for stretchy, structured edgings
• Increase and decrease stitches – for garment shaping at armholes, neckline, and sleeves

Pattern Format and Designer

The Makimono Cardigan pattern is designed by Jane