Late Summer Cardigan

Late Summer Cardigan by Katrine H

Garment Overview

The Late Summer Cardigan is a loose-fitting knitted cardigan designed in one size M/L. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a full-length cardigan measuring 26 inches (66 cm) in length with a generous 54-inch (138 cm) circumference, offering comfortable layering for transitional weather.

Primary Construction Technique

This cardigan is constructed using the double brioche stockinette stitch, an advanced knitting technique that creates a distinctive textured appearance. The double brioche stitch produces a beautiful woven "diamond" pattern across the fabric surface, giving the finished cardigan a sophisticated, dimensional look while maintaining excellent drape and elasticity. This stitch technique requires careful attention to yarn overs and decreases, making it suitable for knitters with intermediate experience.

Yarn Specifications

The cardigan is knitted with Dale Cotinga yarn by Dale Garn, a premium blend composed of 30% alpaca and 70% merino wool in aran weight. The chosen colorway is Sand 2431. The project requires approximately 1640 yards (1500 meters) of yarn, equivalent to roughly 20 skeins of Dale Cotinga, with each skein providing 80 meters of yardage. This yarn blend offers softness, warmth, and natural breathability ideal for a transitional season garment.

Needle Requirements and Gauge

The Late Summer Cardigan requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different stitch techniques throughout the project:

• US 8 (5 mm) circular needles - 40 inches long for knitting the main body and sleeves in double brioche stockinette stitch
• US 10 (6 mm) circular needles - 40 inches long for casting on, working edges, and finishing cuffs
• US 3 (3 mm) or US 6 (4 mm) needles - for the cable knit braided band detail

The target gauge is 9–10 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm). The pattern strongly recommends knitting a gauge swatch before beginning the project, as individual tension variations may require needle size adjustments to achieve the specified gauge and ensure proper fit.

Stitch Techniques

Beyond the signature double brioche stockinette stitch used for the main fabric, the cardigan incorporates cable knit techniques in the braided band detail. The combination of these stitch patterns—brioche for the body and cables for the accent band—creates visual interest and demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skill.