Shelley Cardigan

Shelley Cardigan by Natalie Smart

What is Being Made

The Shelley Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Natalie Smart, available in two length options to suit different style preferences. This advanced-level knitting project offers versatility with a knee-length version and a maxi-length version, allowing knitters to choose their preferred silhouette. The cardigan is tailored to fit UK sizes 8-10 through 20-22, with actual measurements ranging from 80cm to 108cm across the bust. The knee-length version measures 101-104cm from shoulder to hem, while the maxi-length option extends to 133-136cm, providing an elegant floor-length garment. Sleeve length is consistent at 46cm across all sizes.

Techniques and Construction

This advanced knitting project employs several sophisticated techniques to create a polished, wearable cardigan. The construction utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for a refined cardigan silhouette. The pattern requires working with circular needles in addition to straight needles, indicating seamless or partially seamless construction methods that are characteristic of contemporary knitting design. Stitch holders are used during construction to manage stitches temporarily, a technique essential for shaping armholes, necklines, and other design elements. The pattern demonstrates advanced shaping and sizing techniques, with four distinct size options requiring careful attention to increases, decreases, and stitch counts throughout the project. A row counter is recommended to track progress through the multiple rows required for this substantial garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The foundation stitch creating the smooth, refined fabric characteristic of the finished cardigan

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Shelley Cardigan is designed to be worked in Yarn Stories Fine Merino & Baby Alpaca Aran weight yarn, a premium blend consisting of 70% wool and 30% alpaca. This yarn composition provides warmth, softness, and a luxurious drape ideal for a cardigan garment. The yarn yields approximately 95 meters per 50-gram ball, making it a substantial aran weight suitable for creating structured garments. Yardage requirements vary by length and size: the knee-length version requires 17-20 balls of 50g (for sizes 8-10 through 20-22 respectively), while the maxi-length version requires 22-25 balls. The recommended color is Duck Egg 2507, a sophisticated neutral shade.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for three different needle sizes to create proper fabric structure and finishing: 5.5mm needles, 5mm needles, and 4.5mm needles, all in pairs for flat knitting sections. Additionally, a circular needle in 4.5mm measuring 200cm long is required for seamless or in-the-round sections of the garment. The working tension is established at 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm over stockinette stitch using 5mm needles. Achieving and maintaining this tension is critical for the cardigan to fit properly across all four size options, as variations in gauge will significantly affect the finished measurements.