Perfect execution elevates this tweed cardigan from classic to icon. Saddle shoulders, subtle waist shaping, a wide purl column at the back and faux seams create a flawless tailored silhouette—all without any sewing. Smart stripes are the final touch to make this a standout piece.
Worked from the top down, construction starts with the saddles; stitches are then picked up along each side and the yoke worked downward with simultaneous set-in sleeves. A deep mock rib finishes the cuffs and body. A generous range of ten sizes (to fit chest measurements from 32" to 65" / 81.5 to 165 cm) ensures a great fit. Optional faux seams lend the look of a seamed sweater and provide structure.
Size inclusive to fit up to a 67.5" / 171.5 cm finished chest measurement.
This knitting pattern includes written directions, front and back images, and schematic with measurements.
Finished Measurements
Finished chest circumference, buttoned: 34 (37 ¼, 40 ¼, 43 ½, 48 ¼, 51 ½, 57 ¼, 60 ¼, 64 ¼, 67 ½)" / 86.5 (94.5, 102, 110.5, 122.5, 131, 145.5, 153, 163, 171.5) cm.
Back length: 22 ½ (23 ¼, 23 ¾, 24 ¼, 24 ¼, 24 ¾, 25 ¼, 25 ¾, 26, 26)" / 57 (59, 60.5, 61.5, 61.5, 63, 64, 65.5, 66, 66) cm.
Upper arm circumference: 11 ½ (12 ½, 13 ½, 14 ¾, 16 ½, 17 ½, 18 ¾, 19 ¼, 19 ¼, 19 ½)" / 29 (32, 34.5, 37.5, 42, 44.5, 47.5, 49, 49, 49.5) cm.
Designed with 2 to 4" (5 to 10 cm) positive ease in the chest.
Yarn
- Worsted weight yarn;
- Main Colour 260 (280, 305, 325, 350, 375, 405, 425, 450, 470) yd / 240 (255, 275, 295, 320, 345, 370, 390, 415, 430) m;
- 5 x Contrasting Colour 185 (200, 215, 235, 260, 280, 305, 325, 345, 365) yd / 170 (180, 200, 215, 235, 260, 280, 300, 315, 330) m.
Shown in
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed (affiliate link)(80% Peruvian Highland Wool, 20% Donegal Tweed; 110 yards/50g) in Farmhouse Heather, Indigo Heather, Barn Door Heather, Autumn Heather, Dill Heather, Brass Heather.
Needles + Notions
- 3.5 & 4 mm (US 4 & 6) Circular Needles, at least 32 ins / 80 cm long;
- 3.5 & 4 mm (US 6 & 7) Needles for small circumference (sleeves);
- Locking Stitch Markers;
- Stitch Markers;
- Stitch Holders or Scrap Yarn;
- Crochet Hook (approx size for yarn);
- 9 (9, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10) Buttons, 0.875" (21 mm) in diameter.
Gauge
- 20 sts and 28 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch with larger needles (worked both flat and in the round), blocked.
Substitution Notes
Choose a worsted weight yarn. The original is a non-superwash that works up at 4.5 to 5 sts per inch (2.5 cm) on 4 to 5.5 mm (US 6-9) needles. Wools (including superwash) and wool blends will substitute well. For plant fibres and acrylics, knit a large swatch, block it and hang your swatch to assess. Consider stash busting to make the stripes or working this classic-shaped cardigan in a solid colour.
Techniques
Knitting in the round, increases/decreases, backwards loop cast on, saddle shoulder sweater construction, top down, one piece, worked flat, seamless, phoney seams (explained), German short rows, picking up stitches, buttonholes and sewing on buttons.
Helpful Links
Raised Increases video tutorial.Raised Increases photo tutorial.
SSK & SSP Decreases video tutorial.
How to spit splice two colours together and minimize the number of ends to sew in.
This pattern is also available on
holliyeoh.com,
Ravelry, and
Knit Picks.
This pattern has been tech edited.