Pines Cardi

Pines Cardi by Cecily Glowik MacDonald

What is Being Made

The Pines Cardi is a knitted cardigan designed by Cecily Glowik MacDonald for Winged Knits. This downloadable PDF pattern offers nine finished bust sizes ranging from 33 inches to 59 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The cardigan is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines classic construction with accessible techniques for knitters with some experience.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft, which is the primary and only technique required. The cardigan is worked primarily flat on circular needles despite being knitted in the round construction method, allowing the knitter to manage a large number of stitches comfortably. The sleeves transition to double-pointed needles for working in the round, a common approach in modern cardigan construction that provides flexibility and ease during the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Pines Cardi features Stockinette Stitch as its primary stitch pattern, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-shaped texture on the right side. The pattern incorporates essential shaping techniques including:

• ssk (slip, slip, knit) – A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually knitwise to the right-hand needle, returning them to the left-hand needle in turned position, and knitting them together through the back loops, resulting in one decreased stitch
• k2tog (knit 2 together) – A right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one by knitting them together

These decreases are fundamental shaping techniques used throughout the cardigan for armhole shaping, neckline shaping, and sleeve cap decreases, allowing the garment to fit the body properly while maintaining the clean lines of Stockinette Stitch.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Pines Cardi is designed to be knitted in heavy worsted weight yarn. The recommended yarn is a 2 ply blend of 90% Wool and 10% Kid Mohair by Beaverslide Dry Goods, specifically the Aspen Bark colorway. Each 4-ounce skein yields approximately 241 yards, with yardage requirements varying by size: 870 yards for the smallest size (33" bust) up to 1,530 yards for the largest size (59" bust). This yarn composition provides warmth and softness while the kid mohair adds a subtle halo and delicate sheen to the finished fabric.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and accommodate the construction method:

• One 29-inch circular needle in US size 9 (5.5 mm) – used to work the body flat despite using a circular needle, which allows the knitter to manage the large number of stitches required for larger bust sizes
• One set of double-pointed needles (dpns) in US size 9 (5.5 mm) – used for working the sleeves in the round

Knitters should select needle size based on achieving the specified gauge rather than relying solely on the recommended size, as individual tension varies.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning the project is essential, as even small variations in tension can significantly affect the finished measurements of the cardigan. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and large stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction, particularly at the neckline and armholes.