Classic Cardigan with Embroidered Rosebuds
Originally Published in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats & Clark’s, 1954
Classic Cardigan with Embroidered Rosebuds
The Classic Cardigan with Embroidered Rosebuds, originally featured in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats and Clark’s (1954), captures the delicate charm of vintage style. This cardigan is a timeless piece that showcases understated elegance through its clean lines and subtle detailing. The addition of hand-embroidered rosebuds elevates the design, making it a beautiful marriage of knitting and embroidery. Perfect for layering, this cardigan is a versatile wardrobe staple that works for both casual and formal occasions.
Knitting this cardigan is an enjoyable project for intermediate-level crafters, though determined beginners might find it rewarding to tackle as well. The body features straightforward techniques, making it an excellent canvas for exploring the art of embellishment. The embroidered rosebuds provide a chance to personalize the design, allowing you to experiment with different color combinations to suit your taste. With its blend of classic knitting and delicate embroidery, this cardigan makes for a satisfying and creative endeavor.
Whether you’re crafting it as a heartfelt gift or a special addition to your wardrobe, the Classic Cardigan with Embroidered Rosebuds is sure to stand out. Pair it with a vintage-inspired dress for a timeless look or dress it down with jeans for an effortlessly chic ensemble. The embroidered rosebuds add a pop of charm, ensuring that this cardigan will remain a beloved piece for years to come.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats and Clark’s in 1954. While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
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Materials
- Yarn: Chadwick’s Red Heart Orlon “Fashion Yarn,” 3 Ply, Art. E.265
Sizes (Bust Measurement):- 32: 7 skeins
- 34: 8 skeins
- 36: 8 skeins
- 38: 9 skeins
- 40: 10 skeins
- Needles: Clark’s O.N.T. Plastic Knitting Pins
- 1 pair No. 1 (2.25 mm)
- 1 pair No. 2 (2.75 mm)
- Notions:
- 8 pearl buttons
- 1 3/4 yards of 1-inch wide ribbon
- Small pearls
- Gauge: 8 sts and 10 rows = 1 inch
Classic Knit Cardigan Instructions
Back
- With No. 1 needles, cast on:
- 32: 120 sts
- 34: 128 sts
- 36: 136 sts
- 38: 144 sts
- 40: 152 sts
- Work in ribbing (k2, p2) for 2 1/2 to 3 inches, depending on size.
- Switch to No. 2 needles and work in stockinette stitch (k 1 row, p 1 row) until piece measures:
- 32: 10 1/2 inches
- 34: 11 inches
- 36: 11 1/2 inches
- 38: 12 inches
- 40: 12 1/2 inches
- To shape armholes:
- Bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
- Decrease 1 st at each end every other row until:
- 32: 96 sts remain
- 34: 104 sts remain
- 36: 112 sts remain
- 38: 120 sts remain
- 40: 128 sts remain
- Work without further shaping until armholes measure 6-7 inches, depending on size.
- To shape shoulders:
- Bind off 8 sts at the beginning of the next 4 rows.
- Place the remaining center sts on a holder for the neckband.
Left Front
- With No. 1 needles, cast on:
- 32: 68 sts
- 34: 72 sts
- 36: 76 sts
- 38: 80 sts
- 40: 84 sts
- Work in ribbing (k2, p2) for 2 1/2 to 3 inches.
- Switch to No. 2 needles and continue in stockinette stitch, keeping an 8-st border in ribbing along the front edge.
- Shape armhole as for Back. Work straight until armhole measures 5-6 inches.
- Shape neckline:
- Bind off 16 sts at the neck edge.
- Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every other row until:
- 32: 24 sts remain
- 34: 25 sts remain
- 36: 27 sts remain
- 38: 29 sts remain
- 40: 30 sts remain
- Shape shoulder as for Back.
Right Front
Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping and including buttonholes as follows:
- To make a buttonhole, bind off 2 sts on one row and cast on 2 sts in the next row.
- Place buttonholes 1 inch apart, starting 1 inch from the lower edge.
Sleeves
- With No. 1 needles, cast on:
- 32: 64 sts
- 34: 68 sts
- 36: 72 sts
- 38: 76 sts
- 40: 80 sts
- Work in ribbing (k2, p2) for 3 inches.
- Switch to No. 2 needles and work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 st at each end every 6th row until:
- 32: 80 sts
- 34: 88 sts
- 36: 96 sts
- 38: 104 sts
- 40: 112 sts
- Work without increasing until sleeve measures:
- 32: 15 inches
- 34: 15 1/2 inches
- 36: 16 inches
- 38: 16 1/2 inches
- 40: 17 inches
- Shape cap:
- Bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
- Decrease 1 st at each end every 4th row until:
- 32: 32 sts remain
- 34: 34 sts remain
- 36: 36 sts remain
- 38: 38 sts remain
- 40: 40 sts remain
- Bind off remaining sts.
Neckband
- Sew shoulder seams.
- With No. 1 needles, pick up and knit sts around neck edge, including sts on the holders.
- Work in ribbing (k2, p2) for 1 inch, making a buttonhole in line with those on the Right Front.
- Bind off in ribbing.
Finishing with Embroidered Rosebuds
- Block all pieces to measurements.
- Sew side and sleeve seams. Set in sleeves.
- Sew ribbon to front bands, aligning with buttonholes. Cut ribbon for buttonholes and finish edges with buttonhole stitch.
- Sew on buttons.
- Embroider rosebuds in lazy daisy stitch on the cardigan as illustrated, sewing a pearl at the center of each flower.
Enjoy wearing your beautifully embroidered classic cardigan!
