Canada Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze - Downloadable PDF

Canada Cardigan in Rowan Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze

What is Being Made

The Canada Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, offering nine size options for a wide range of wearers. This garment combines two complementary Rowan yarns to create a refined, wearable piece suitable for advanced beginners seeking to develop their knitting skills.

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is constructed using two yarns held together throughout: Rowan Kid Classic in Feather 828 and Rowan Kidsilk Haze in White 612. The combination of these yarns—one an aran-weight yarn and one a lace-weight yarn—creates a unique blend when held as a single strand. The Kid Classic provides structure and warmth, while the Kidsilk Haze adds delicate texture and a subtle sheen to the finished fabric. Yardage requirements vary by size, with smaller sizes requiring 11 balls of Kid Classic and 12 balls of Kidsilk Haze, scaling up to 21 and 19 balls respectively for the largest size.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for 5mm (US 8) needles for constructing the main fabric. Stitch holders are required to hold stitches during shaping, particularly for the back neck shaping and front sections during construction.

Techniques and Construction

The Canada Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner level:

• Ribbed Edging: The garment begins with a knit-one, purl-one (K1, P1) ribbed pattern worked over multiple rows to create a neat, elastic edge that helps the cardigan maintain its shape.
• Front Neck Shaping: The pattern incorporates strategic decreases at the front neck opening, with specific stitch reductions worked over defined row intervals to create a flattering neckline. The shaping involves casting off and decreasing stitches at regular intervals to achieve the proper curve.
• Stitch Management: The pattern requires careful stitch counting and management, with stitches being cast on, decreased, and held on stitch holders at various points during construction. This includes working different numbers of stitches across multiple rows to achieve proper fit and shaping.
• Two-Yarn Holding: Holding one strand each of Kid Classic and Kidsilk Haze together throughout the project creates a consistent, blended fabric with enhanced visual interest and texture.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in this pattern include:

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the main fabric.
• Purl (P): Combined with knit stitches to create the ribbed edging pattern.
• Ribbed Pattern (K1, P1): Creates textured, elastic edges that frame the cardigan.
• Decreases: Used strategically for shaping the front neck and armholes, with specific decrease sequences worked over defined row counts to create smooth, professional shaping.

Sizing and Fit

The Canada Cardigan is available in nine sizes accommodating chest measurements from 71-76 cm (approximately 28-30 inches) to 152-157 cm (approximately 60-62 inches). Each size includes specific stitch counts and row measurements to ensure proper fit. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 101.5 cm for the smallest size to 183 cm for the largest, providing comfortable wearing ease across all sizes.

Skill Level

Rated as advanced beginner, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping. The combination of ribbed sections, strategic decreasing for neck shaping, and the management of holding two yarns together provides excellent skill-building opportunities while remaining achievable for experienced beginners.