Betty Cardigan

Betty Cardigan by Ashleigh Kiser

What is Being Made

The Betty Cardigan is a women's knitted sweater designed by Ashleigh Kiser of Sewrella. This top-down raglan cardigan is named after the designer's favorite grandmother and combines comfort with feminine styling. Available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 45 inches to 63 inches, the Betty Cardigan offers slouchy positive ease for a relaxed, comfortable fit. The garment features a length of approximately 21 to 22.5 inches depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Construction Technique

The Betty Cardigan is constructed using the top-down method, a popular approach in modern knitting that allows for easy fitting adjustments and seamless construction. The sweater features raglan shaping, a classic sleeve cap style where the armhole decreases are worked continuously from the neckline down to the underarms, creating diagonal lines that extend from the neck to the sleeve cuffs. This technique eliminates the need for complex sleeve cap shaping and provides a comfortable, modern silhouette. The top-down construction method means knitters work from the neckline downward, incorporating sleeve stitches as they progress, which simplifies the finishing process and allows for trying on the garment as it develops.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Betty Cardigan primarily utilizes stockinette stitch as the main fabric, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce the classic smooth, V-textured knit fabric. A key design element is the incorporation of seed stitch detail, which adds feminine texture and visual interest to the sweater. Seed stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row and subsequent rows, producing a bumpy, textured surface that contrasts beautifully with the smooth stockinette sections. The pattern includes standard increase techniques such as KFB (knit front back) for raglan shaping, and K2tog (knit two together) for decreasing. Stitch markers are essential tools used throughout construction to denote raglan increase lines and pattern sections, with eight markers required for this project.

Materials and Tools

The Betty Cardigan is designed to be worked in Lion Brand Color Made Easy yarn in the Millenial colorway. This is a bulky weight yarn (Weight 5), with each skein containing 7 ounces and 247 yards. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 3 and 5 skeins of yarn. The project calls for US 11 (8mm) circular knitting needles measuring at least 36 inches in length, allowing for the large number of stitches required for this generous-fitting cardigan. Additional tools include eight stitch markers for tracking raglan increases and pattern sections, stitch holders or spare needles and yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction, and a large eye tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing seams. The gauge for this project is 11.5 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches when measured in stockinette stitch, which is typical for bulky weight yarn.

Difficulty Level

The Betty Cardigan is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level. While the top-down raglan construction is relatively straightforward and forgiving, the intermediate classification reflects the need for familiarity with circular needle techniques, stitch marker usage, and the ability to read and follow a multi-page pattern. Knitters should be comfortable with basic increases and decreases, and have experience working with bulky yarn on larger needles. The positive ease and slouchy fit provide some forgiveness in fit adjustments, making this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills in garment construction.