Vine Cardigan

Vine Cardigan by Irene Lin

What is Being Made

The Vine Cardigan is a seamlessly constructed top-down cardigan designed by independent designer Irene Lin. This garment is available in five sizes—S, M1, M2, L, and XL—making it accessible to a range of body types. The cardigan features a sophisticated construction technique with intentional shaping at the back neck, created through strategic short rows that provide a higher back neckline for improved fit and comfort.

Construction Method

The Vine Cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, a construction approach that minimizes seaming and allows for easier adjustments during the knitting process. Short rows are strategically incorporated into the design to create a higher back neck, which is a professional finishing detail that improves the garment's drape and fit around the shoulders and neckline. This technique requires careful attention but results in a polished, well-fitted garment.

Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch pattern used in the Vine Cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The ribbing at the cuffs and hem is worked on smaller needles to create elasticity and definition. The pattern incorporates the backwards loop cast-on method for specific sections of the construction, a technique that allows for flexible cast-on edges without the need for additional yarn or tools.

Yarn and Materials

The Vine Cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically Isager Jensen Yarn, which features a yardage of 250 meters per 100 grams. The main color (MC) requires approximately 2.5 to 3.5 skeins depending on size, while a contrasting color (CC) requires 1.5 to 2.5 skeins. This two-color construction adds visual interest and design complexity to the finished piece.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for two needle sizes: 3.5mm needles are used for ribbed sections, while 4mm needles are used for the body of the cardigan. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 27 rows over a 10 by 10 centimeter (4 by 4 inch) swatch in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are encouraged to adjust needle sizes if their gauge does not match the pattern specifications.

Size and Fit Information

The Vine Cardigan offers comprehensive sizing with the following key measurements:

• Width (A): 50 to 58 centimeters (19.7 to 22.8 inches) across the bust
• Length (B): 64 to 68 centimeters (25.2 to 26.8 inches) from shoulder to hem
• Sleeve length (C): 46 to 53.5 centimeters (18.1 to 21.1 inches)
• Back neck height (D): 13.3 to 17 centimeters (5.2 to 6.7 inches)

Difficulty Level

The Vine Cardigan is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. While the top-down seamless construction and stockinette stitch are accessible to many knitters, the incorporation of short rows and two-color work requires intermediate skills and attention to detail. Knitters should be comfortable with techniques such as reading schematics, managing multiple colors, and executing short-row shaping before beginning this project.