Rustique

Rustique Cardigan by Glenna C

What is Being Made

Rustique is a downloadable knitting pattern for a women's cardigan designed by Glenna C. This intermediate-level project creates a button-front cardigan with a slightly loose fit, intended to be worn as a warm layering piece. The cardigan is available in five sizes, with bust measurements ranging from 34.5 inches to 57 inches when buttoned, accommodating a variety of body types and fit preferences.

Techniques Used

This cardigan pattern employs several classic knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The design incorporates cable work as a primary decorative element, with cables integrated throughout the garment construction. The pattern is worked flat on circular needles, a common technique that allows for easy stitch management and the ability to work back and forth rather than in the round. The slightly loose fit is achieved through careful shaping and positive ease built into the sizing, making it suitable for layering over other garments.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric texture
• Cable Stitches: Featured prominently in Chart A, which measures 25 stitches across and 5 inches in width when worked on the required gauge needles, adding textural depth and visual appeal to the design

Materials Required

The Rustique cardigan is worked in Imperial Yarns Columbia, a 100% wool yarn in aran weight. Depending on the size selected, the project requires between 6 and 10 skeins of yarn, with each skein containing 220 yards and weighing 4 ounces. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in 'pearl grey.' Equivalent yardage of any aran weight 100% wool yarn may be substituted if Imperial Yarns Columbia is unavailable.

Two needle sizes are required to complete this project. The main fabric is worked on 5.5mm/US #9 needles in a 24-inch circular configuration for working flat. A smaller needle size of 4.5mm/US #7 (also in 24-inch circular format for working flat) is used for ribbed sections or edging that require a tighter gauge to provide structure and definition.

Gauge and Sizing Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern's success. The stockinette stitch gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked on 5.5mm/US #9 needles. The cable pattern in Chart A measures 25 stitches across by 5 inches (12.5 centimeters) in width when worked at the pattern gauge. The pattern recommends knitting and washing a two-stitch gauge swatch and allowing it to dry completely before measuring, ensuring accurate results. Knitters may need to adjust their needle size up or down to obtain the specified gauge, as individual tension varies.

Five size options are provided, with the sample garment shown knitted in the third size using 5.5mm/US #9 needles with 4 to 5 inches of positive ease incorporated into the design.