The Charlotte Cardigan is the cousin of my Fiona Cardigan design. It came to life after a few lovely knitters visited my Skipton studio and asked for a version of Fiona Cardigan with a V-neck instead. Some also requested a longer length – so here it is!

This cardigan is knitted straight up with no shaping at the bottom. But here’s the clever part: if you choose a size smaller than you usually wear, and place the button just right, it gives the illusion of shaping. Simple but effective.

Please note: the yarn I originally used for this pattern has been discontinued. However, I’ve suggested a great substitute above. I’ve helped studio visitors choose colours in this yarn for their Charlotte Cardigans, and they’ve looked fabulous!

CONSTRUCTION
The back, left and right fronts, two sleeves are knitted flat from the bottom up in separate pieces and joined together. The sleeves are set in.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, decreasing at the armhole and neck shaping, cast off. Joining seams. Sewing on button. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch and three needle cast off.

YARN
7(7:8:8:9) 100g hanks in WYS Bluefaced Leicester DK – Dyed
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 166m/182yds per 100g
Metres: 1456(1568:1680:1792:1904)m.

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
4mm.

NOTIONS
One button (size is approx. 22mm in diameter)

GAUGE (tension)
21 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm/4ins square over pattern. I obtained this gauge with 4mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Chest (suggested)
76.5-81.5, (86.5-91.5, 96.5-101.5, 106.5-112, 117-122)cm
30-32, (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48)ins

Actual Chest Size
89, (97, 108, 120, 131)cm
35, (38, 42½, 47¼, 51½)ins

Length (from shoulder)
74, (76, 79, 80, 82)cm
29¼, (29¾, 31, 31½, 32¼)ins

Sleeve Length
44, (44, 44, 44, 44)cm
17½, (17½, 17½, 17½, 17½)ins

Blog Post: I’ve written about the inspiration, click here to read more!

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.