Spring Ribbed Cardigan

Spring Ribbed Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

What is Being Made

The Spring Ribbed Cardigan is a fresh, three-season cardigan designed by Hannah Fettig of Knitbot. This versatile layering piece is constructed with a combination of textured ribbing and smooth stockinette stitch, making it an ideal addition to any wardrobe for transitional seasons. The cardigan features ribbed detailing on the fronts, sleeves, and sides of the back, while the center back is worked in stockinette stitch for a balanced construction.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The pattern uses raglan shaping with increases worked on right-side rows to create the armhole and sleeve cap shaping. Knitters will need to master working increases and integrating new stitches into established stitch patterns, which is essential for seamlessly adding stitches into the garter stitch rib sections. The pattern also requires working flat on the ribbed sections while maintaining stitch definition, and managing multiple stitch patterns simultaneously—a technique described as "cont as established" in the pattern notes.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch Rib: A textured stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 6 plus 3 stitches. Row 1 (wrong side) is worked as *K3, p3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3. Row 2 (right side) is knit all stitches. This creates a distinctive ribbed texture and is used on the fronts, sleeves, and sides of the back.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Smooth, classic knit stitch worked over the center back panel for contrast and visual balance against the ribbed sections.

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is worked in DK weight yarn, a versatile medium weight ideal for creating drape and definition in both ribbed and stockinette sections. The cardigan is available in multiple sizes, with stitch counts ranging from 92 to 122 stitches at the initial setup, accommodating various body measurements. Knitters will need appropriate needles for DK yarn and stitch markers—the pattern specifically notes using different colored markers to distinguish between raglan seam increases and other placement markers, which helps with pattern management during construction.

Design Details

The pattern was designed by M J Gumayagay, with illustration by Neesha Hudson and technical editing by Tana Pageler. The construction begins with 7 front stitches, 17 sleeve stitches, and 44 to 74 back stitches depending on size. The raglan increases are worked every right-side row for three additional repeats, creating a gradual, well-proportioned sleeve cap. The integration of new stitches into the garter stitch rib pattern ensures that the textured ribbing continues seamlessly as the garment expands.