Rib cotton cardigan

Rib Cotton Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Neringa Ruke

Garment Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from independent designer Neringa Ruke creates a Rib Cotton Pullover, a versatile medium-length sweater suitable for everyday wear. The garment features a classic boat neck collar and is designed to be worn with 5-10cm (2-3.75 inches) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The pullover pairs well with leggings and other layering pieces, making it an adaptable wardrobe staple.

Design Features

• Medium length body with a boat neck collar
• Long sleeves with a slightly balloonish silhouette
• Ribbed cuffs at the sleeve edges for definition and stretch
• Available in 8 sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, and 4X
• Shown on size L in the pattern photography

Construction Method

The Rib Cotton Pullover is worked bottom to top, a construction approach that builds the garment from the hem upward. The pattern follows this sequence: the body section is knitted first, followed by the sleeves, and finally all pieces are joined together. The yoke is completed last, creating a seamless integration of all garment sections. This method allows for easy adjustments during the knitting process and provides flexibility in final garment length.

Stitches and Techniques

The pattern incorporates ribbed stitching throughout the design, particularly featured in the cuffs and collar. Ribbing is a fundamental knitting technique that creates vertical columns of texture, providing elasticity and a polished finish. The ribbed elements help the garment maintain its shape and ensure the cuffs and neckline stay snug against the body. The slightly balloonish sleeve design requires shaping techniques to create the distinctive silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed for Aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category ideal for creating garments with good drape and structure. The recommended yarn is Drops Paris, a 100% cotton fiber composition that offers breathability and comfort for warm-weather wear.

Yarn quantities by size:

• XS: 550g (19.4 oz) / 11 balls / 825 meters (902 yards)
• S: 600g (21.1 oz) / 12 balls / 900 meters (984 yards)
• M: 650g (22.9 oz) / 13 balls / 975 meters (1,066 yards)
• L: 700g (24.6 oz) / 14 balls / 1,050 meters (1,148 yards)
• XL: 800g (28.2 oz) / 16 balls / 1,200 meters (1,312 yards)
• 2X: 900g (31.7 oz) / 18 balls / 1,350 meters (1,476 yards)
• 3X: 1,000g (35.2 oz) / 20 balls / 1,500 meters (1,640 yards)
• 4X: 1,100g (38.7 oz) / 22 balls / 1,650 meters (1,804 yards)

Each ball of Drops Paris contains 50g (1.8 oz) and yields 75 meters (82 yards) of yarn.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires 4mm circular needles (US size 6, UK size 8) in two lengths to accommodate different sections:

• 80-100cm (32-40 inches) circular needles for the body and yoke
• 40cm (16 inches) circular needles for working the sleeves

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward bottom-to-top method and use of basic ribbed stitching techniques provide an accessible introduction to creating a wearable sweater without requiring advanced skills.