Anker's Cardigan My Size - Petite Knit

Anker’s Cardigan – My Size is a neatly fitted cardigan with the distinctive ribbed yoke that makes the Anker designs so recognisable.

It’s worked from the top down and back and forth on a long circular needle. The circular yoke begins with sections of rib and carefully placed increases, followed by classic raglan shaping.

The front bands are worked at the same time as the rest of the cardigan, so there is no need to pick up stitches for them later. Once the body is complete, the sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles or the Magic Loop technique.

Yarn notes

This pattern gives you two different yarn routes.

Option 1: Fine 5 ply wool

Choose a smooth, light 5 ply or sport-weight wool with approximately:

• 170–180 metres per 50 g

• Good elasticity

• Clear stitch definition

• Enough structure to show the ribbed yoke neatly

This option gives the cardigan a light, defined and slightly more structured finish.

Option 2: Soft, lofty DK yarn

You can also use a softer and more airy DK or light 8 ply yarn with approximately:

• 105–115 metres per 50 g

• A light, lofty construction

• Soft drape

• Enough bounce to achieve the required gauge

An alpaca, wool and alpaca blend, or another light and fluffy DK yarn may work well.

This option will generally create a softer, warmer cardigan with more drape.

Although the yarns may be labelled as different weights, the most important thing is achieving the pattern gauge of 24 stitches over 10 cm on 3.5 mm needles.

Sizing

Anker’s Cardigan – My Size is designed with approximately 3–6 cm of positive ease.

This gives it a more fitted shape than many of the oversized PetiteKnit designs.

Sizes:
XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL

Suggested body measurements

The sizes are designed to fit the following bust or widest upper-body measurements:

• XS: 80–85 cm

• S: 85–90 cm

• M: 90–95 cm

• L: 95–100 cm

• XL: 100–110 cm

• 2XL: 110–120 cm

• 3XL: 120–130 cm

Measure around your bust, stomach or the widest part of your upper body and choose the size that gives you approximately 3–6 cm of positive ease.

Finished measurements

Bust circumference

XS: 89 cm
S: 93 cm
M: 98 cm
L: 106 cm
XL: 112 cm
2XL: 122 cm
3XL: 133 cm

Finished length

XS: 51 cm
S: 55 cm
M: 55 cm
L: 58 cm
XL: 58 cm
2XL: 60 cm
3XL: 60 cm

Yarn requirements

Option 1: Fine 5 ply wool

Using a yarn with approximately 175 metres per 50 g:

• XS: approximately 1,050 m

• S: approximately 1,050 m

• M: approximately 1,225 m

• L: approximately 1,225–1,400 m

• XL: approximately 1,400 m

• 2XL: approximately 1,400–1,575 m

• 3XL: approximately 1,575–1,750 m

Option 2: Soft, lofty DK or light 8 ply yarn

Using a yarn with approximately 110 metres per 50 g:

• XS: approximately 990 m

• S: approximately 1,100 m

• M: approximately 1,210 m

• L: approximately 1,320 m

• XL: approximately 1,430 m

• 2XL: approximately 1,540 m

• 3XL: approximately 1,650 m

Always check the metreage on the yarn you are buying rather than relying only on the number of balls.

Consider purchasing one extra ball if you plan to lengthen the body or sleeves, are between sizes, or would like extra yarn for swatching.

Gauge

24 stitches × 34 rows = 10 × 10 cm in stocking stitch on 3.5 mm needles.

Make sure you wash and dry your swatch in the same way you plan to care for the finished cardigan, particularly if you are using alpaca or another yarn that may relax with washing.

Needles and notions

• 3.5 mm circular needle, approximately 80 or 100 cm long

• 3.5 mm double-pointed needles, or a long circular needle for Magic Loop

• Stitch markers

• Waste yarn or spare cables for holding the sleeve stitches

• Tapestry needle

• 8 (8) 8 (9) 9 (10) 10 small buttons

• Buttons approximately 10–12 mm in diameter

Difficulty

★★★☆☆

Intermediate

A quick tip before you start

Pay particular attention to your yarn choice if you want the ribbed yoke to look crisp and defined.

A smooth 5 ply wool will create clearer ribbing and a slightly firmer cardigan. A soft alpaca-style yarn will create a warmer, drapier result, but the ribbing may look a little softer.

Both can work beautifully, provided you achieve the correct gauge.