A while ago I made a sweater for my dad out of this 100% worsted wool yarn. I loved the color, and living in Michigan I have come to love wool more and more each year. I had purchased plenty of skeins, and just so happened to have a sweaters quantity left over for me to make something for myself!
Most of my wool items have been sweaters, so I wanted to make cardigan that could help get me more through the transitional seasons since the wool cardigans I have are bulkier and warmer.
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I came up with the idea for an open front cardigan since they are so easy to make (yay – no button holes!) and so easy to wear. Since it is out of wool I wanted to be sure the collar opens up so that it wouldn’t be right up next to my neck. I am not bothered by wool that much, but didn’t want to take a chance.
Using a few rows of garter stitch for the edges, and a few stitches of 1×1 rib to prevent the front opening from rolling, the only other technicals of the garment are stitch decreases and simple edge increases.
I couldn’t be happier with how this cardigan came out. It is perfect for relaxing and listening to records, or dress up a bit to go to the new neighborhood restaurant that features a dj spinning vinyl. Wherever you end up wearing it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Be sure to check out a few of our other machine knit patterns:
Machine Knit Put Your Records On Cardigan
by City Farmhouse Studio
Get the printable PDF version of the pattern (without ads) HERE
Patons – Classic Worsted – 3.5oz/100g – 194 yd/177m – 100% Wool – Category 4 Medium – 11 WPI – 5 (5, 5, 6, 6) [7, 7, 8, 8]
(alternative yarn options: Plymouth Yarn Galaway Worsted, Paint Box 100% Washable Wool, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted)
Single, Mid Gauge, Flat Bed Knitting Machine – pattern was made on LK150
Tapestry Needle
Gauge 4” x 4” = 18 sts x 24 rows in stockinette
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) [2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
Garment Back Width: 17.25 (18.75, 20, 22.25, 24) [26.25, 28, 30.75, 33.25] inches
Garment Length at Shoulders: 22.75 (23, 23.25, 23.75, 23.75) [24, 24, 24.75, 24.75] inches
Cuff to Cuff: 60 (62.75, 64, 67.5, 70.75) [73.5, 77.25, 79.5, 82.5] inches
A YouTube tutorial video showing the sts and each step of the cardigan construction can be found at: https://youtu.be/MPCxXoPbrRY
Glossary
RC – row count
St – st
Sts – stitches
Front Right
With waste yarn and ravel cord, carriage on right, RC set to 000, tension dial set 1 whole tension tighter, e-wrap cast on from left to right 56 (60, 64, 68, 72) [76, 82, 86, 92] stitches, having 28 (30, 32, 34, 36) [38, 41, 43, 46] needles in work on each side of the bed.
To work 6 rows of garter stitch, knit 2 rows and starting at the 7th stitch in on the left transfer the last row to be all purls. The unworked stitches will be transferred later on for the edging. Repeat knitting 2 rows and transferring the same stitches on the second row for 2 more times and RC 6.
Reset tension to stockinette tension. Knit 88 (88, 86, 84, 78) [78, 74, 74, 70] rows, stopping every so often to transfer all of the the 2nd, 4th, and 6th needle in from the right to be purls, and continue to do so till you bind off at end. RC 94 (94, 92, 90, 84) [84, 80, 80, 76].
Bind off 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) [4, 5, 5, 5] stitches same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 1 stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. RC 96 (96, 94, 92, 86) [86, 82, 82, 78]. Sts in work 52 (56, 60, 64, 67) [71, 76, 80, 86].
Bind off 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 3, 2] stitches same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 1, 1, 1] stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. Work a total of 1 (1, 1, 2, 3) [1, 2, 2, 1] times. RC 98 (98, 96, 96, 92) [88, 86, 86, 80]. Sts in work 51 (54, 58, 60, 61) [68, 70, 72, 83].
Bind off 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 1, 1, 2] stitches same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [1, 1, 1, 1] stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. Knit an additional 2 (2, 0, 0, 0) [0, 0, 0, 0] rows. Work a total of 1 (1, 1, 2, 3) [2, 3, 4, 3] times. RC 102 (102, 98, 100, 98) [92, 92, 94, 86]. Sts in work 50 (53, 57, 58, 58) [64, 64, 64, 74].
Sizes (S, M, L, XL) [2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] – Bind off/decrease 1 stitch same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [0, 0, 0, 1] stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. Knit an additional 0 (2, 2, 2, 2) [0, 0, 0, 0] rows. Work a total of 0 (1, 2, 1, 1) [5, 5, 4, 7] times. RC 102 (106, 106, 104, 102) [102, 102, 102, 100]. Sts in work 50 (52, 55, 57, 57) [59, 59, 60, 60].
All Sizes – Knit 20 (18, 20, 24, 26) [28, 28, 32, 34]. RC 122 (124, 126, 128, 128) [130, 130, 134, 134].
Collar shaping
Move 7 far left side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 4 rows. Repeat for a total of 2 times. RC 130 (132, 134, 136, 136) [138, 138, 142, 142]. Sts in work 48 (50, 53, 55, 55) [57, 57, 58, 58].
Move 7 far left side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 2 rows. Repeat for a total of 2 times. RC 134 (136, 138, 140, 140) [142, 142, 146, 146]. Sts in work 46 (48, 51, 53, 53) [55, 55, 56, 56].
Bind off 20 (21, 22, 23, 23) [24, 24, 25, 25] stitches on right side for shoulder. E-wrap 14 (14, 15, 17, 17) [17, 17, 19, 19] needles to create neck collar to go around back. Knit 2 rows. RC 136 (138, 140, 142, 142) [144, 144, 148, 148]. Sts in work 40 (41, 44, 47, 47) [48, 48, 50, 50].
Move 7 far left side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 2 rows. Repeat for a total of 6 times. RC 148 (150, 152, 154, 154) [156, 156, 160, 160]. Sts in work 34 (35, 38, 41, 41) [42, 42, 44, 44].
Move 7 far left side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 1 rows. Repeat for a total of 4 times. RC 152 (154, 156, 158, 158) [160, 160, 164, 164]. Sts in work 30 (31, 34, 37, 37) [38, 38, 40, 40].
Decrease carriage tension 1 whole number. Move the 8th far left side stitch one stitch towards center. Move 7 far left side stitches in two stitches towards center. The 7th and 8th stitch in will be decreased onto the 9th needle. Knit one row. Move 7 far left side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit one row. Transfer all but 6 far right needles to purls. Repeat both sets of decreases for a total of 3 times. RC 158 (160, 162, 164, 164) [166, 166, 170, 170]. Sts in work 21 (22, 25, 28, 28) [29, 29, 31, 31].
Make sure the 2nd, 4th, and 6th needle at edge have been transferred to purls. Bind off all stitches in work.
Front Left
With waste yarn and ravel cord, carriage on left, RC set to 000, tension dial set 1 whole tension tighter, e-wrap cast on 56 (60, 64, 68, 72) [76, 82, 86, 92] stitches, having 28 (30, 32, 34, 36) [38, 41, 43, 46] needles in work on each side of the bed.
To work 6 rows of garter stitch, knit 2 rows and starting at the 7th stitch in on the right transfer the last row to be all purls. The unworked stitches will be transferred later on for the edging. Repeat knitting 2 rows and transferring the same stitches on the second row for 2 more times and RC 6.
Reset tension to stockinette tension. Knit 88 (88, 86, 84, 78) [78, 74, 74, 70] rows, stopping every so often to transfer all of the the 2nd, 4th, and 6th needle in from the left to be purls, and continue to do so till you bind off at end. RC 94 (94, 92, 90, 84) [84, 80, 80, 76].
Bind off 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) [4, 5, 5, 5] stitches same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 1 stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. RC 96 (96, 94, 92, 86) [86, 82, 82, 78]. Sts in work 52 (56, 60, 64, 67) [71, 76, 80, 86].
Bind off 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 3, 2] stitches same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 1, 1, 1] stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. Work a total of 1 (1, 1, 2, 3) [1, 2, 2, 1] times. RC 98 (98, 96, 96, 92) [88, 86, 86, 80]. Sts in work 51 (54, 58, 60, 61) [68, 70, 72, 83].
Bind off 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 1, 1, 2] stitches same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [1, 1, 1, 1] stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. Knit an additional 2 (2, 0, 0, 0) [0, 0, 0, 0] rows. Work a total of 1 (1, 1, 2, 3) [2, 3, 4, 3] times. RC 102 (102, 98, 100, 98) [92, 92, 94, 86]. Sts in work 50 (53, 57, 58, 58) [64, 64, 64, 74].
Sizes (S, M, L, XL) [2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] – Bind off/decrease 1 stitch same side as carriage, knit 1 row. Decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [0, 0, 0, 1] stitch opposite side of carriage, knit 1 row. Knit an additional 0 (2, 2, 2, 2) [0, 0, 0, 0] rows. Work a total of 0 (1, 2, 1, 1) [5, 5, 4, 7] times. RC 102 (106, 106, 104, 102) [102, 102, 102, 100]. Sts in work 50 (52, 55, 57, 57) [59, 59, 60, 60].
Knit 20 (18, 20, 24, 26) [28, 28, 32, 34]. RC 122 (124, 126, 128, 128) [130, 130, 134, 134].
Collar shaping
Move 7 far right side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 4 rows. Repeat for a total of 2 times. RC 130 (132, 134, 136, 136) [138, 138, 142, 142]. Sts in work 48 (50, 53, 55, 55) [57, 57, 58, 58].
Move 7 far right side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 2 rows. Repeat for a total of 2 times. RC 134 (136, 138, 140, 140) [142, 142, 146, 146]. Sts in work 46 (48, 51, 53, 53) [55, 55, 56, 56].
Bind off 20 (21, 22, 23, 23) [24, 24, 25, 25] stitches at the left side for shoulder. E-wrap 14 (14, 15, 17, 17) [17, 17, 19, 19] needles to create neck collar to go around back. Knit 2 rows. RC 136 (138, 140, 142, 142) [144, 144, 148, 148]. Sts in work 40 (41, 44, 47, 47) [48, 48, 50, 50].
Move 7 far right side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 2 rows. Repeat for a total of 6 times. RC 148 (150, 152, 154, 154) [156, 156, 160, 160]. Sts in work 34 (35, 38, 41, 41) [42, 42, 44, 44].
Move 7 far right side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit 1 rows. Repeat for a total of 4 times. RC 152 (154, 156, 158, 158) [160, 160, 164, 164]. Sts in work 30 (31, 34, 37, 37) [38, 38, 40, 40].
Decrease carriage tension 1 whole number. Move the 8th far right side stitch one stitch towards center. Move 7 far right side stitches in two stitches towards center. The 7th and 8th stitch in will be decreased onto the 9th needle. Knit one row. Move 7 far right side stitches in one stitch towards center. The 7th stitch in will be decreased onto the 8th needle. Knit one row. Transfer all but 6 far right needles to purls. Repeat both sets of decreases for a total of 3 times. RC 158 (160, 162, 164, 164) [166, 166, 170, 170]. Sts in work 21 (22, 25, 28, 28) [28, 29, 31, 31].
Make sure the 2nd, 4th, and 6th needle at edge have been transferred to purls. Bind off all stitches in work.
Back
With waste yarn and ravel cord, carriage on right, RC set to 000, tension dial set 1 whole tension tighter, e-wrap cast on from left to right 78 (84, 90, 100, 108) [118, 126, 138, 150] stitches, having 39 (42, 45, 50, 54) [59, 63, 69, 75] needles in work on each side of the bed.
To work 6 rows of garter stitch, knit 2 rows and transfer the last row to be all purls. Edge stitches can remain as knit stitches because they will be seamed. Repeat knitting 2 rows and transferring the same stitches on the second row for 2 more times and RC 6.
Reset tension to stockinette tension. Knit 88 (88, 86, 84, 78) [78, 74, 74, 70] rows. RC (Knit rows to underarm) 94 (94, 92, 90, 84) [84, 80, 80, 76]
Bind off 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) [4, 5, 5, 5] stitches same side as carriage, and decrease one needle on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat once.
RC 96 (96, 94, 92, 86) [86, 82, 82, 78]. Sts in work 70 (76, 82, 92, 98) [108, 114, 126, 138].
Bind off or decrease 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 3, 2] stitches same side as carriage, and decrease 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 1, 1, 1] needle on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat all a total of 1 (1, 1, 2, 3) [2, 2, 2, 1] times. RC 98 (98, 96, 96, 92) [90, 86, 86, 80]. Sts in work 68 (72, 78, 84, 86) [96, 102, 110, 132].
Bind off or decrease 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 1, 1, 2] stitches same side as carriage, and decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [1, 1, 1, 1] needle on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat once. Knit 2 (2, 2, 0, 0) [0, 0, 0, 0] more rows. Repeat section for a total of 1 (1, 1, 2, 3) [2, 3, 4, 3] times. RC 102 (102, 98, 100, 98) [94, 92, 94, 86]. Sts in work 66 (70, 76, 80, 80) [88, 90, 94, 114].
Sizes (S, M, L, XL) [2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] – Decrease 1 stitch same side as carriage, and decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [0, 0, 0, 1] needle on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat once. Knit 0 (2, 2, 2, 2) [0, 0, 0, 0] more rows. Repeat section for a total of 0 (1, 2, 1, 1) [4, 5, 4, 7] times. RC 102 (106, 106, 104, 102) [102, 102, 102, 100]. Sts in work 66 (68, 72, 78, 78) [80, 80, 86, 86].
All Sizes – Knit 34 (32, 34, 38, 40) [42, 42, 46, 48] rows. RC 136 (138, 140, 142, 142) [144, 144, 148, 148].
Bind off all stitches in work.
Sleeve
With waste yarn and ravel cord, carriage on right, RC set to 000, tension dial set 1 whole tension tighter, e-wrap cast on from left to right 38 (40, 40, 40, 42) [44, 46, 46, 48] stitches, having 19 (20, 20, 20, 21) [22, 23, 23, 24] needles in work on each side of the bed.
To work 6 rows of garter stitch, knit 2 rows and transfer the last row to be all purls. Repeat knitting 2 rows and transferring the same stitches on the second row for 2 more times and RC 6.
Reset tension to stockinette tension. Increase 1 stitch on each side of work. Knit 14 (12, 10, 8, 7) [5, 5, 4, 4] rows. Repeat for a total of 6 (7, 9, 11, 13) [17, 20, 22, 24] times. RC 90 (90, 96, 94, 97) [91, 106, 94, 102]. Sts in work 50 (54, 58, 62, 68) [78, 86, 90, 96].
Knit 10 (12, 4, 8, 5) [15, 4, 14, 6] rows. RC 100 (102, 100, 102, 102) [106, 110, 108, 108].
Bind off 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) [4, 4, 4, 5] sts same side as carriage and decrease 1 st on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat decreases once for other side. RC 102 (104, 102, 104, 104) [108, 112, 110, 110]. Sts in work 44 (48, 50, 54, 58) [68, 76, 80, 84].
Bind off 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) [3, 3, 3, 3] sts same side as carriage and decrease 1 st on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat decreases once for other side. RC 104 (106, 104, 106, 106) [110, 114, 112, 112]. Sts in work 38 (42, 44, 48, 52) [60, 68, 72, 76].
Bind off 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 1, 1, 2] sts same side as carriage and decrease 1 st on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat decreases once for other side. Repeat all for a total of 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) [3, 3, 3, 2] times. RC 106 (110, 108, 110, 110) [116, 120, 118, 116]. Sts in work 34 (34, 36, 40, 44) [48, 56, 60, 64].
Decrease 1 st same side as carriage and decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [0, 0, 1, 1] on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat decreases once for other side. Repeat all for a total of 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) [2, 3, 3, 3] times. RC 112 (116, 114, 118, 118) [120, 126, 124, 122]. Sts in work 28 (28, 30, 32, 36) [44, 50, 48, 52].
Knit 4 (4, 4, 4, 6) [6, 6, 6, 8] rows. RC 116 (120, 118, 122, 124) [126, 132, 130, 130].
Bind off or decrease 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [1, 2, 2, 2] sts same side as carriage and decrease 0 (0, 0, 0, 0) [0, 1, 1, 1] on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat decreases for other side. Repeat all for a total of 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) [4, 4, 4, 5] times. RC 122 (126, 126, 130, 132) [134, 140, 138, 140]. Sts in work 22 (22, 22, 24, 28) [36, 34, 32, 32].
Bind off or decrease 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 2, 2] sts same side as carriage and decrease 1 st on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat decreases for other side. Repeat all for a total of 2 (2, 2, 2, 3) [2, 2, 2, 2] times. RC 126 (130, 130, 134, 138) [138, 144, 142, 144]. Sts in work 14 (14, 14, 16, 16) [24, 22, 20, 20].
Bind off 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) [3, 3, 3, 3] sts same side as carriage and decrease 1 st on opposite side. Knit 1 row. Repeat decreases for other side. Repeat all for a total of 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 2, 2] times. RC 128 (132, 132, 136, 140) [142, 148, 146, 148]. Sts in work 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) [8, 6, 4, 4].
Bind off all stitches in work.
Repeat to make second sleeve.
Construction
Sew shoulders together. Sew each front neck collar edge together in back. Sew bottom of front neck collor and center back together . Set in sleeves. Sew body together and continue up and through arm cuffs. Block.
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