This cardigan can be knit in any weight and type of yarn and any needle size without a gauge calculation being required. I’ve listed a few yarns - but really you can use anything that pleases you. My version is in aran wool, and you can see on this page alone tester versions in sport weight (by tester frautracey), bulky (by tester bugsmamma) and worsted (by tester Bowmanville).

This is instant gratification knitting; just pull yarn out of stash, cast on and knit.

Perfect for those who struggle to make accurate gauge measurements or for that unusual (handspun?) yarn that never seems to meet a required gauge, or if you want to combine yarns in creative ways - or of course simply for the joy of the thing!

How? It is all down to a fun and novel construction. Worked top down, it is virtually seamless (with just a tiny hole at the underarm to close up). All you need to do is measure your knitting in inches or cms throughout the pattern according to the size you want to create.This cardigan is part of a series of gaugeless garment designs in my portfolio. You may also find my Gaugeless Sweater and Gaugeless Lady cardigan of interest.

Sizes (finished chest circ)
cm 71 76 81 86 91 96 101 106 112 116
in 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46

This technique is easily adapted for custom sizing as you simply knit to your own measurements.

My sample is shown modelled with zero ease on the chest.

Needles and gauge
You can use any needles at any gauge that pleases you. There is no absolute requirement to swatch, but you may wish to check that you acheive a fabric that you like. And of course swatching (and washing of your swatch) is absolutely recommended if using a yarn likely to grow when worn and washed such as alpaca.

Yarn and yardage:
The obvious problem for writing a pattern that can be knit in any weight or brand or yarn is that exact yardage requirements for every eventuality are impossible to offer. However, the pattern does contain references for yardage calculators and estimates that might help. Testers of this technique have used wool, alpaca, mohair and other fibres

Construction and techniques
Top down and seamless. Body knit flat, sleeves knit in the round (though could easily be adapted to be knit flat and seamed if you prefer). There is a little simple maths to calculate the sleeve decreases, (worked example included). Optional waist shaping instructions are provided.