The Fiona Cardigan is a simple, timeless crew neck cardigan that has become a Purl &Jane classic. It was one of the first designs I created for my Skipton studio, and it’s been a joy to see it become a wardrobe staple for so many knitters.

This design is all about simplicity – the garter stitch gives it a beautiful texture, and the edgings are left raw, with just the neckline needing stitches to be picked up. Perfect for beginners or experienced knitters looking for a relaxing, easy knit in their favourite shade.

I love garter stitch. Some knitters see it as ‘too easy’, but for me, it’s soothing, meditative and looks beautiful when knitted in the right yarn. It’s perfect for switching off, letting the yarn flow through your fingers and enjoying the simple rhythm of knitting – whether you’re watching TV or chatting with friends.

Oh, and if you love this design but wish it was a jumper rather than a cardigan… your wish is my command! Click here for the Fiona Jumper.

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. The neck edge is picked up.

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

YARN
8(9:9:10:10) 50g balls of Mohair Tweed.
70% merino/30% mohair, 110m/120yds per 50g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3.75mm and 4mm.

NOTIONS
One button (size is approx. 20mm in diameter)

GAUGE (tension)
20 stitches and 38 rows to 10cm/4ins square over garter stitch. 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
I recommend a positive ease of at least 3-6”/7-15cm at the chest.

Size
1, (2, 3, 4, 5)

Chest circumference
94, (102, 114, 126, 138)cm
37, (40¼, 45, 49½, 54¼)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
48, (50, 54, 56, 58)cm
18¾, (19½, 21¼, 22, 22¾)ins

Sleeve length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
24, (24, 24, 24, 24)cm
9½, (9½, 9½, 9½, 9½)ins

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.

This cardigan has been a classic with knitters who visit my studio. It’s lovely to see all the different colours everyone knits with.