Tweed Rib Cardigan #184

Tweed Rib Cardigan #184 by Sue McCain

What is Being Made

The Tweed Rib Cardigan #184 is a versatile worsted weight cardigan available in an extensive size range from XXS through 6X, with finished bust measurements ranging from 30¼" to 69¾". This button-front cardigan is designed with practical hip room and features a classic construction method that creates a seamless visual flow from back through shoulders to front.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward. The most distinctive aspect of the Tweed Rib Cardigan #184 is its efficient one-piece construction: the body is worked continuously from the bottom of the back, over the shoulders, and down to the bottom of the fronts, with sleeves incorporated as you progress rather than added separately. This technique eliminates the need for multiple seaming steps while maintaining structural integrity. The pattern is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and stitch manipulation. Once the main knitting is complete, seaming is used to finish specific areas, creating a polished, professional appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern is Tweed Rib, which combines knit and purl stitches to create texture and visual interest. The pattern achieves a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the Tweed Rib stitch pattern. Stockinette stitch is referenced in the pattern specifications (4-5 stitches in St st), indicating that portions of the cardigan may incorporate this fundamental knit stitch for contrast or shaping purposes.

Materials and Tools

The Tweed Rib Cardigan #184 is designed for worsted weight yarn, with yardage requirements ranging from 850 yards for the smallest size (XXS) to 1840 yards for the largest size (6X). The pattern specifies worsted weight cotton as the recommended fiber content, offering breathability and drape suitable for a cardigan. The model shown was knit in Cotton Supreme by Universal Yarn, Inc., a 100% cotton yarn where each 100-gram hank yields 180 yards.

Needles required include one size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle measuring 29 inches or longer—essential for accommodating the full width of the cardigan body during flat knitting—and one size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle measuring 12 inches long for working smaller circumferences such as necklines or cuffs. A stitch marker is needed to track pattern repeats and construction points. The cardigan is finished with three buttons measuring 1¼ inches in diameter.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The one-piece bottom-up technique and Tweed Rib stitch pattern require attention to stitch counts and shaping, but the straightforward progression from back to front provides clear direction throughout the project.