5/03/2013

Needlecrafts - Knitting the Basic Cardigan

5/03/2013
Needlecrafts - Knit the Basics, Cap Sleeve Cardi
Image | Phildar
A simple, yet stylish cardigan is another basic garment pattern that's a must for your library, good to go in any season.
A cardigan is a soft alternative to a structured jacket, an ideal backdrop for accessories, such as scarves and statement jewelry .
The featured pattern, like the basic cap-sleeved top, lends itself to many different looks.
One of the four different possibilities rendered for this design is a modified military style, complete with "epaulette" tabs on the shoulders.
Also, like the basic cap-sleeved top, you are knitting the body in one piece. You can't get any easier than that.
Choosing different stitch patterns also differentiates the garment parts. Garter panels in the middle and an easy textured stitch on the sides.
If you are a crocheter, finishing all the edges with a scalloped edge gives the garment a romantic finish.
You will love this pattern because the possibilities are endless.

Read further for pattern, style renderings, finishing tips and helpful sites.
The schematics or drawing of the garment's shape gives you the dimensions you are to work to. The pattern itself is minimal as it is very simple.
The actual numbers you are working with are based on a standard knitting worsted weight, a weight ideal for a beginner and a good weight across the board for all seasons.
For those more familiar with knitting, the numbers are easy to adapt to double knitting, chunky or bulky weights.
As long as you are getting the dimensions as specified in the drawing, you will achieve the desired results.
For beginners, it is always best to make what is recommended in the pattern first, then experiment with different yarns weights and guages.
Basic patterns are great to have in your library for a number of reasons.
Styles are usually classic and can be changed easily to suit your mood or the look of the season.
Above are four possibilities for this one pattern. But you can adapt this even further by making the garment in stripes, so fashionable this spring.
A simple lace pattern will be a lovely topper for a sleeveless summer dress.
Have fun in thinking up new ways to make this garment your design.
Please Note | errata for casting off for FRONT and LEFT front neck shaping. Cast-off for both neck edges is 16(16,18)sts remaining 38(47,49)sts.
Knowing how to properly finish a garment makes all the difference between a garment looking "homemade" and not "handmade".
The effort of learning how to skillfully seam and block a garment will definitely make the end result a pleasure to wear and build confidence in your knitting skills.
Blocking is well explained and straightforward in Part1 and Part2 in the HowTo section of Interweave.
Seaming or sewing a garment together properly enhances a garment's fit, with seams that lie flat and don't pull.
Simple drawings and explanations are provided in KnitSimple Online Magazine
Sites you may find useful for tips on finishing:
How To Tutorials | Knit Simple Magazine .
Helpful Tutorials | Knitting Daily

Happy Knitting!

42 comments:

  1. Love this!! One thing i gotta ask is.. is knitted in the round or...?? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,
      You can use circular needles because you are knitting in one piece holding a lot of stitches, but the knitting itself is back and forth
      Good Luck with your project!

      Delete
    2. i dont understand this pattern , i see the right front and left front but where is the back and sleeves , as i said i want to make this sweater in one piece minus the sleeves. is there a pattern for circular needles?

      Delete
    3. Hi Teri,
      If you look at the schematics (the drawing) you see both fronts, which become sleeves when you work the underarm shapings on both sides. You then work the sleeves up and at the same time the neck shaping (you are still working in one piece) ... then decrease for underarms which brings you to the back. I'm afraid this as simple as I can explain.
      It might be helpful for you to take the pattern to a reputable yarn shop or have someone explain the process to you in parson. I realize you want to eliminate the sleeves and this would complicate the situation further as you would have to rework the numbers. Again something yarn store personnel might be able to help you with.
      All the best,
      Daria

      Delete
  2. LOVE it!!! How many yds in worsted weight?
    Thanks,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi!
      If you are using a worsted weight yarn, I would get 10-12 50g balls. All of this is dependent upon the type of yarn you use and
      size.
      A suggestion may be to go to a reputable local
      yarn store where they could give you guidance as to the type of yarn and amount.
      Good Luck with your project!
      Daria

      Delete
  3. I love this. To make a xxl would you increase cast on stitches, or needle size, or both?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Christine,
      I'm glad that you are inspired to knit this pattern.
      I would add more stitches but the tricky part
      might be sleeve and neck shaping. You don't want cap sleeves that hang too long or a neckline that sags. You have to compensate for the stitches you've added.
      I would go to a reputable yarn store and ask for help in these two areas.
      I will keep in mind in the future about extending the size range for simpler patterns.
      Sincerely,
      Daria

      Delete
  4. Would love to make this. What size needle do you suggest with the worsted weight?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Phyllis,
      Glad to see you are inspired to try this pattern.
      The pattern specifies a 5mm(US8) needle size for worsted weight.
      Good luck with your project!
      Daria

      Delete
  5. Thank you for sharing this sweater pattern. Simple is best!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi! Thank you for this pattern! I am a total newbie and now off to get wool for my first sweater (this one :) )

    I was wondering if mayb e you had some advice on how to make this long-sleeved?

    -Tam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tam,
      I know it's exciting when you want to start a project, especially since you are a knitting "newbie". Sleeves can always be added to the cap sleeve that's already there, but I suggest that you make the garment and then decide whether you still want one.
      There is a sleeve option in this post - The Basic Top
      http://www.diaryofacreativefanatic.com/2013/03/knitting-the-basic-sleeveless-top.html
      You would have to make the tiny sleeve option longer and keep in mind that it would be wide.
      Good luck and all the best with your knitting project!

      Delete
  7. Hello... Im knitting this lovely little cardi..
    medium... when increasing 11 sts for sleeve.. total of 63 sts...
    this does not appear to be enough to fold sleeve up as in picture..

    What should I do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,
      I'm delighted that the pattern inspired you and regret any confusion regarding the sleeve cap.
      I would measure my tension for 10cm (4 inches) and add that to the 11 sts currently suggested to add on.
      That should give you plenty to turn back...hope that helps and all the best with your project.

      Delete
  8. Love the pattern! Thank you so much. I made one similar for my grand daughter in toddler size. But I'm new and that is the only other garment I've knitted. Which increases would I use for this one. Kfb or M1 ? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi!
      I'm happy that you like the pattern post. Unfortunately it is difficult to assess what you should do with the information you've given me.
      If, in fact you want to make a bigger size, you would size up the initial stitch amounts according to the gauge given, not increasing as you've described.
      My best suggestion, given that you are a new knitter, would be to visit a reputable yarn store and enquire.
      Hope that helps and all the best with your project

      Delete
  9. Bonsoir,
    Votre cardigan de base est super au point mousse. Mais il est impossible à traduire en français dans les 3 cadres donnant les instructions.
    Serait-il possible d'avoir la traduction en français ?
    Merci beaucoup
    Cordialement Pascale

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salut Pasquale,
      Le modèle que vous aimez est en fait réécrit à partir d'un modèle Phildar plus.
      Je ne peux pas traduire sur la réponse car il faudrait trop de place ... ce que je peux faire, c'est de vous envoyer le texte et vous pouvez traduire en français sur Google.
      Si cela vous convient, veuillez m'envoyer vous email,
      Bonne chance,
      Daria

      Delete
  10. Hello,
    I would love to knit this cardigan but cannot find the pattern of the Back anywhere on this site. (Right and left front only) Could you please provide the pattern of the back, so that I can knit this lovely cardi.
    Many thanks.
    Ren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Reni,
      The cardigan is worked in one piece, first one front, placing it on spare needle, then the other.
      The two fronts are worked together increasing for underarm shaping. The sleeves are worked, then shaped by decreasing to start the back and worked to the end of back.
      Hope that helps,
      Cheers, Daria

      Delete
  11. I made this!! it's the first piece of clothing I've knitted (well, not sure scarfs count do they?!). It's lovely and warm, although a little short - I probably should have measured me as well as the cardigan :). But I am so pleased with it, I am tempted to do it again! Thanks, Ella

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Ella
      WooHoo!!! That's fabulous..,it's wonderful when something turns out...what a sense of accomplishment!
      I also find each time you make something, you learn more about your own style and change the pattern to suit it.
      All the best with all your future projects,
      Daria

      Delete
  12. hello, i've just finished my cardigan. thank you for sharing. i loved it! :)

    beyhan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Woohoo! congrats on a job finished...the fact that you loved the experience is wonderful...All the best with your future projects,
      Daria

      Delete
  13. Do you have a recommendation for needle size? Thanks. Love the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,
      Thank you for the compliment!
      Look under the beginning of the pattern schematic (drawing), you will find the gauge and needle sizes...
      18sts to 10cm(4in) on 5mm(US8)
      All the best with your project,
      Daria

      Delete
  14. Good morning, I love this sweater soooo much and have just completed the right front side. My question is now that I'm starting my left side it tells me to reverse all shaping's. does that mean that after I cast on my 52 stitches (for large) and garter stitch to 11.5 inches then begin my underarm shaping, do I increase at the end of the row instead of the beginning. I'm such a beginner but if I can get this section figured out, I think I might have it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,
      I'm delighted with your success in completing a part of the sweater...reverse shaping doesn't have to be difficult but I admit it sounds confusing to a beginner.
      I'm linking you to a very good explanation which will help you understand how to accomplish "reverse shaping".
      http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/lionbrand/displayCustomerProjects.fcgi?projectKey=69627&displayType=lit
      All the best with your project,
      Daria

      Delete
  15. Thank you for such a great pattern. I am a first time knitter and this is my first garment, it is perfect! Sorry for a stupid question. I just need to confirm the stitch counts when I start to shape the underarm - it refers to increasing by 2 but has the stitch count as 43 not 44. Do I increase by two so that the stitch count is 44 or do I increase by 1 so that the stitch count is 43 or have just misunderstood the pattern (very likely as a new time knitter!)
    Jill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jill,
      Thank you for bringing this to my attention. You are indeed right, it should be 44(52,56)sts.
      I will make the changes on the pattern.
      Thank you again and all the best with your project,
      Daria

      Delete
  16. HI there, any information on what wool to use of how many balls? I can't wait to start this pattern, love it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claire,
      If you are using a worsted weight yarn, I would get 10-12 50g balls. All of this is dependent upon the type of yarn you use due to varying yardages..
      A suggestion may be to go to a reputable local
      yarn store where they could give you guidance as to the type of yarn and amount.
      Good Luck with your project!
      Daria

      Delete
  17. HI, I am currently working on this, and have gotten to where i have added 11 sts, im just wondering if when adding the sts before this should one side be longer than the other? Im also wondering when i get to the 17.75 inches to measure, it says to measure at the beginning, so do i measure the middle or where i added the 11 sts? Are there any links you have that would have step by step pictures with how this garmet comes together as you are adding sts? Also when i need to cast off for the neck shaping would i do this on the side that has the 11 sts added since it is the longer edge? Any advice you can offer is helpful, i am a new knitter. Thanks!

    Janelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Janelle,
      I'm afraid your questions are confusing and it is difficult to answer without seeing the project. The best advice would be to ask some one who knits whether at a yarn store or a friend so they could give you some help.
      There are no other instructions, links or finishing images.
      The whole piece, that is the back and the fronts are folded in half. The underside of the cap sleeve and side is sewn together for each side of the garment.
      All the best with your project,
      Daria

      Delete
  18. I would love to knit this but I cannot make out the print and also I do not know what ply wool is used
    Is it double knitting? Any chance that you could send this out in larger print? Also what are the sizes -I live in UK and the sizing is often different.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi
      In order to send a copy with larger print, I would need your email. you can contact me by clicking on the "Contact me by email" button at the top.
      The yarn description in the pattern says worsted weight
      which is a lighter Aran weight.. Another way of describing the weight is medium.
      As far as sizing, you really should measure a favourite sweater just under the arms.
      The sizes given are finished width all around are Small 91, (Medium 102 and Large112cm)
      I hope that helps,
      Cheers

      Delete
  19. Hi, Thanks for sharing the great pattern. Can you tell me exactly what wool was used in the pattern and what colour it is. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  20. You say to use #8 needles but the picture looks like much bigger stitches than an 8 would create. I don't think worsted weight yarn is as bulky as the picture looks. Am I missing something????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marcia,
      The original pattern, which is what you see in the inspiration image was knit with what appears to be a bulkier yarn. It has been rewritten for a universal worsted weight using the same measurements. Worsted weight usually specifies using 5mm (US8) needles for the gauge as indicated in the pattern, however it is best to make a swatch to make sure.
      Hope that helps and all the best,
      Daria

      Delete
  21. I am confused about the back neck. What does it mean to work across the left front stitches and at the same time cast on stitches? The "same time" is what is unclear. Thank you, Karen

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Karen,
    Basically you work across the left front sts, then cast on the sts for the back of the neck and continue across the right front sts.
    Hope that helps,
    Daria

    ReplyDelete