Building Blocks Cardi

A versatile worsted weight cardigan with V-neck shaping and optional bust darts, this pattern is chock full of features to create your unique version. This pattern has underarm shaping to make sure that the sleeve join of the drop shoulder really is off the shoulder and not out in the elbows. Bust darts ensure a good fit across the front that doesn’t ride up, for those of us who need it.

Build the exact right vest for your style and climate. A sleeveless vest/tee version is available, as well as the options of a high-low split hem or a plain hem.

The base pattern is knit from the bottom up flat, then split for the front pieces and back while the V-neck shaping is worked at the same time. A drop shoulder construction is finished with a Three Needle Bind-Off, then the sleeves are picked up and worked flat for gauge consistency, then seamed at the very end. Finally, the neckband and any optional pockets are worked.

The bust darts add 4 additional inches to the drafted B/C cup that the pattern base pattern accommodates. It was drafted for a slim sleeve with 1” / 2.5 cm ease in the upper arm, but has optional instructions for knitting the armscye a different size for a full bicep adjustment if a less slim sleeve ease is desired.

Find all the information you need to know before purchasing, including schematics, measurements, and full yardage listings for every size and view in this PDF. The full pattern also comes with full scale, measurement-line-free coloring pages for nearly every view of the pattern possible for you to plan your perfect vest/pullover with.

Sizes

A (B, C, D) [E, F, G, H] (I, J, K) designed to fit actual upper bust measurements of: 31 (34.25, 37.5, 40.75) [44, 47.25, 50.5, 53.75] (57, 60.25, 63.5)” / 77.5 (85.5, 94, 102) [110, 118, 126.5, 134.5] (142.5, 150.5, 159) cm.

Finished full bust measurements are: 38.5 (43.25, 47, 50.75) [54.5, 59.25, 63, 66.75] (70.5, 75.25, 79) / 95 (105, 115, 126.5) [135.5, 146.5, 155.5, 165] (175, 185, 195) cm.

Choose a size based on your upper bust measurement. If the finished full bust measure minus your actual bust measure is between 7-11", you've got the right size. Check the Choose Your Cup Size section if this difference is 6" or less.

The model has an upper bust of 31” / 79 cm, a full bust of 34” / 86.5 cm, and upper arm circumference of 10.25” / 26 cm. The charcoal Nutiden sample was knit in a straight Size B without darts. The blue long sleeve Nutiden sample was knit with Size B hips, decreased to Size A bust/shoulder, with Size 1 darts, and Size B arm holes and sleeves. The light gray sample is Size A with Size 1 darts.

To read more about the hip to bust decrease mod, click here.

Gauge

17 stitches and 24 rows = 4” / 10 cm, Stockinette stitch knit flat with Needle A

17 sts and 26 rows = 4” / 10 cm, 1x1 ribbing knit flat with Needle B

Yarn Selection + Yardage

Choose a very lightweight, fluffy worsted weight yarn (such as woolen spun or unspun yarn) that gets gauge.

Vest Sample and Blue Long Sleeves Sample

Honer Och Eir Nutiden in Adekvat (charcoal) and Ynnest (blue), held double.

Nutiden is an unspun yarn and works up to about worsted / light aran weight when held double. It comes in slightly variable yardage (but very flexible gauge) in 100 gram plates. Each batch is slightly different in its grist and weight, so always purchase an additional plate of Nutiden where possible.

Long Sleeve, Gray Sample

De Rerum Natura Gilliatt, held single.

Gilliatt is a semi-woolen spun and lofty merino yarn. It has a smooth look and feel but a loftiness to it. 100% merino / 270 yards / 100g balls.

Needles

Needle A (Main Fabric)

US8 / 5 mm or size to obtain Stockinette stitch gauge, in the following lengths:

Circular needle 32-60” / 80-100 cm

Needle B (Ribbing)

US6 / 4 mm or 2 sizes down from Needle A, in the following lengths:

Circular needle 32-60” / 80-100 cm

Needle C (Tubular Cast On)

US5 / 3.75 mm or 3 sizes down from Needle A, in the following lengths:

Circular needle 32-60” / 80-100 cm

Using a smaller needle creates a tidier cast on. Swatching the cast on is highly recommended to determine preferred size for this purpose due to personal tension differences when casting on.



Notions

Stitch markers, tapestry needle, slippery waste yarn, removable markers

Five to six ¾” / 20 mm buttons (order six if working Cup Size 3 or 4 in case you decide you’d like extra buttons for the length), thread or embroidery floss for sewing, and sewing needle to fit the floss/thread

Credits

Tech Editing & Schematic: Becky Monahan

Tech Editing: Heather Storta

Grading Consultant: Jen Parroccini

Light Gray Sample: Lydia Koerner

Layout: Symphony Chau and Aimee Sher

Photos: Roy and Aimee Sher

Accessibility

• The main pattern file has tagged header structure for screenreader users.
• The low vision file has 22 pt font, black text on white background, no italics, and bolded font for emphasis only throughout.
• All images have alt text.
• There are no charted instructions in this pattern.