I love knitting (obviously), and am proud to be a knitter. I’ll shout from the rooftops about the perks of handknitting and wear my creations with pride. However, I’d rather my knits not actually look handmade at first glance. We’re going for an expensive, luxury designer kind of vibe here! Which makes for all the more satisfaction when somebody asks where your item is from, and you can proudly say those wonderful words “thanks! I made it myself”.
The Calm Down Cardigan was designed to give exactly that impression – a high end luxury item you can make with your own two hands. It’s simple and extremely wearable, but with carefully considered details and neat finishings all around. The design process was a mission, let me tell you. Those simple looking items are deceptive! But months later the Calm Down Cardigan knitting pattern is finally ready and I can’t wait to see it out there in the world.
Scroll down for details and to purchase the Calm Down Cardigan knitting pattern.
calm down cardigan knitting pattern features
seamless saddle shoulder construction worked from the top down
double knit buttonbands (shaped with short rows to flow smoothly around the neck and buttons – my favourite detail and simpler than it sounds!)
tapered sleeves with deep ribbed cuffs
set-in sleeve / drop shoulder hybrid construction for a relaxed fit without bunching fabric
rib panels flowing around armholes, down sides and sleeves
notched front hem
tubular edgings for a professional finish
3 season garment in DK weight yarn
the design process
In my latest podcast episode I share far more about the process of designing this cardigan, including why I chose this construction method and how it prevents the bunching that often occurs with oversized garments.
cardigan test knitters
I am always super grateful to my test knitters, but especially so on this occasion since there are so very many stitches in this project. The buttonband requires commitment 😉 Thank you so much everyone! Lots of neutrals this time, and beautiful colour choices. I think neutrals just suit the whole relaxed vibe of this knit but I absolutely want a bright red one in my wardrobe too.
CALM DOWN CARDIGAN PATTERN DETAILS
YARN: DK weight yarn, approx 1416 (1476; 1606; 1691; 1780) [1879; 2018; 2108; 2189] metres / 1529 (1594; 1734; 1826; 1921) [2029; 2178; 2275; 2363] yards.
Sample shown in BC Garn Loch Lomond (100% wool, 150m per 50g skein) in shade Silver. If using this yarn, you will need 10 (10; 11; 12; 12) [13; 14; 15; 15] skeins.
GAUGE: 22 sts and 32 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm in stocking stitch blocked. Suggested size 4 mm.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS:
4mm and 3.75mm needles of any length (for body)
3.5mm long circular needle (for buttonband) 4mm and 3.75mm needle(s) of your preferred length for working small circumferences in the round (ie. DPNs, short circulars, magic loop) for sleeves
3 buttons (diameter approx 22 mm)
Removable stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Scrap yarn
SIZING: 1 (2; 3; 4; 5) (6; 7; 8; 9) detailed below, designed to be worn with between 10-12 inches / 25-30 cm positive ease. Sample shown is a size 2 worn on a 34” bust with approx 10” positive ease.
Since this is already a generously fitting garment, if you are between sizes, size down.
To fit bust: 28-30 (32-34; 36-38; 40-42; 44-46) (48-50; 52-54; 56-58; 60-62) inches / 71-76 (81-86; 91-97; 102-107; 112-117) (122-127; 132-137; 142-147; 152-157) cm.
Finished bust: 39.5 (43.5; 47.5; 51.5; 55.5) (59.5; 63.5; 67.5; 71.5) inches / 100 (111; 120; 131; 140) (151; 161; 172; 181) cm.
Yarn choices: any yarn (or combination of yarns) that meets the gauge can technically be used for this pattern. However, it is worth considering that the rib panels down the sides and the sleeves curl inwards before blocking. With a natural fibre yarn (such as wool used in the sample), this curl completely disappears when blocked. With synthetic fibres, the curl will not block out as well.
The Calm Down Cardigan knitting pattern is also available via Ravelry and Etsy.
Lily Kate x
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