Pilkington Cardigan

Pilkington Cardigan by Karen Burnett

What is Being Made

The Pilkington Cardigan is a versatile knitted cardigan designed by Karen Burnett, suitable for layering during winter months or wearing as a lightweight cover-up in warmer seasons. The pattern offers multiple size options ranging from 32 to 50 inches in chest circumference, with corresponding length variations from 9.5 to 17.5 inches. The design includes options for both standard and longer sleeve lengths, allowing knitters to customize the garment to their preferred proportions.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked using a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they progress and easily adjust the length to their preference. The top-down approach begins with casting on stitches at the neckline and increases are worked throughout to shape the body and sleeves simultaneously. This construction technique is particularly practical for creating a well-fitting garment without requiring extensive seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The main body of the Pilkington Cardigan features stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the beauty of hand-dyed yarns. The simplicity of stocking stitch—alternating knit and purl rows—allows the yarn's color and texture to be the focal point of the design. The cardigan is finished with a knitted-on cabled border, which adds visual interest and structural definition to the edges. This border is worked directly onto the garment rather than being sewn on separately, creating a seamless, professional finish.

Techniques

Key techniques used in the Pilkington Cardigan include:

• Marker placement to delineate different sections (sleeves, front panels, and back) during the top-down construction
• Strategic increases to shape the garment and create proper fit across the chest and shoulders
• Cable stitch work for the decorative border detail
• Knitting on stitches directly from the body for the border application

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Pilkington Cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, which is a light to medium yarn weight that creates a fabric with good drape and structure. The pattern is specifically designed to showcase hand-dyed yarns, making it an excellent choice for knitters who want to feature beautiful, variegated, or hand-painted yarns. The DK weight provides enough stitch definition to display cable work while remaining lightweight enough for year-round wear.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have progressed beyond basic techniques but may not yet be working on complex colorwork or intricate stitch patterns. The intermediate level reflects the combination of straightforward stocking stitch with the added challenge of working cables and managing multiple sections during top-down construction. Knitters at this level should be comfortable with increasing stitches, reading pattern instructions, and working with stitch markers.

Pattern Format

The Pilkington Cardigan is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, allowing knitters to access the instructions immediately and print them for reference while working. The PDF format includes detailed finished measurements in both centimeters and inches, cast-on stitch counts for each size, and row-by-row instructions for construction.