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Cairn
A true masterpiece of color, the Cairn cardigan flaunts an intricate stranded motif in an array of brilliant hues, reminiscent of a vibrant flower garden. Fonty Tartan 3’s 100% superwash wool content and gently mottled appearance bring a graceful softness to this enchanting piece, yielding a cozy cardi that stands out in a crowd. Dig into this rewarding knit and let your colors shine!
SKILL
Knitting
DIFFICULTY
Advanced
SIZES
Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1X) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Shown in Small size with approx. 10” of positive ease.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest (buttoned): 38 (42, 46, 50, 54) (58, 62, 66, 70)”
Length: 20 (20½, 21, 22, 22½) (23, 24, 24½, 25)”
MATERIALS
Fonty Tartan 3 (100% superwash fine wool; 50g/153 yds)
• 2022 (A) – 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) (5, 5, 5, 6) balls
• 2007 (B) – 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 2) balls
• 2028 (C) – 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) (3, 3, 4, 4) balls
• 2027 (D) – 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2) balls
• 2001 (E) – 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) (4, 4, 5, 5) balls
• 2030 (F) – 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2) balls
• 2009 (G) – 1 (1, 1, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2) balls
Needles:
US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16” and 32-40” circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences) or size needed to obtain gauge
US Size 6 (4 mm) 16” and 32-40” circular needle and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences)
Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers (one unique marker to denote bor), spare circular needle (for three-needle bind off), sewing needle and thread (and/or crochet hook, for reinforcing the steeks), five ¾ - 1” buttons
GAUGE
24 sts x 26 rnds = 4” in stranded knitting after blocking
Save time, check your gauge.
PATTERN NOTES
This cardigan is knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. The body of the sweater is steeked. The sleeves are picked up and knit from the top down. During finishing, stitches for the button bands are picked up and knit flat.
The stranded colorwork motifs in this pattern are charted only.
This cardigan is intended to be worn with approximately 5-8” of positive ease at the widest point of the chest.
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- First published: November 2025
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