Knitting Nordic-Inspired Fair Isle Cardigan Free Pattern

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (Main Color: cream, Contrast Colors: brown, white, and dark gray)
• Circular needles (size US 8 and US 6 for ribbing)
• Set of double-pointed needles (for sleeve ribbing)
• 8 wooden buttons
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Instructions

Yoke

1. Using US 6 circular needles and Main Color, cast on 100 stitches. Join in the round and place a marker for the beginning of the round.
2. Knit 1x1 rib for 1 inch.
3. Switch to US 8 needles. Knit the Fair Isle pattern according to the chart, increasing evenly to 160 stitches in the first round.
4. Continue in pattern until yoke measures 7 inches from the cast-on edge.

Body

1. Separate the sleeves. Knit 40 stitches, place next 40 stitches on a holder for the sleeve, cast on 8 stitches for the underarm, knit 80 stitches for the back, place next 40 stitches on a holder for the next sleeve, cast on 8 stitches for the underarm, knit 40 stitches.
2. Continue in stockinette stitch for 10 inches or desired length.
3. Switch to US 6 needles, knit 1x1 rib for 2 inches.
4. Bind off all stitches.

Sleeves

1. Transfer 40 sleeve stitches from holder to US 8 double-pointed needles.
2. Pick up 8 stitches from underarm for a total of 48 stitches.
3. Knit in the round, following the Fair Isle chart for cuff design.
4. Continue in stockinette stitch until sleeve measures 16 inches from the underarm.
5. Switch to US 6 needles, knit 1x1 rib for 2 inches.
6. Bind off all stitches.

Finishing

1. Sew on buttons evenly along the button band.
2. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
3. Block the cardigan to measurements.

Chart

Refer to a Fair Isle chart with geometric designs to complete the yoke (specific pattern details can be customized).