Note: Sizes 6-9 were not filled during testing. If you would like to knit one of these sizes, please reach out and I would be happy to send you the pattern for free

The Alder Cardigan is knit from the top down in stockinette stitch with a drop sleeve and garter stitch detailing. The cardigan is cast on at the top of the shoulder using a provisional cast on and then short rows are worked at the front and back of the shoulder. The front and back sections are connected under the arms and the rest of the body is knit flat with faux seam detailing along the sides. The tops of the shoulders are connected using a three-needle bind-off. The sleeves are picked up and knit in stockinette stitch, with the faux seam continuing along the underside. Stitches are then picked up for the button band, and a simple two-row buttonhole method is used. A contrasting color is used for the button band, the cuffs, and the three-needle bind-off.

Sizes: (1, 2, 3) 4, 5, 6 { 7, 8, 9}

Finished body circumference in inches/cm: (35.5, 40, 44.5) 48, 52.5, 57 {61.25, 65.75
69.25} inches / (90.17, 101.6, 113.03) 121.92, 133.35, 144.78 {155.58, 167, 175.9} cm

Fit Reference: I am 5 ft 6” tall with a 36” bust at the widest part and a 31” waist. I also have a longer arm length than most people by about 1-2 inches. I’m wearing a size 2 with 4 inches of ease around the bust. I am wearing the open-front version of the cardigan.

Yardage per Size (Yardage is estimated assuming a cropped length. If you would like to make a longer cardigan, you will need 1-2 extra skeins depending on size):
MC: (800, 900, 1040) 1182, 1354, 1552 { 1735, 1937, 2123}
CC: (80, 100, 116) 132, 160, 173 { 193, 216, 236}

Meters per Size:
MC: (732, 823, 951) 1081, 1239, 1420 { 1587, 1772, 1942}
CC: (74, 92, 107) 121, 147, 159 { 177, 198, 216}

Yarn: Knotty Pine Teton DK, 2 colors
100% Mountain Merino Targhee, Wyoming Wool, Non-Superwash, Worsted Spun (combed), 3ply/255yds/100g
Colors - MC- Owl Creek (beige) and CC - Blackhawk (dark green/brown)

Gauge: 18 sts and 29 rows in stockinette stitch per 4 inches/10cm

Ease: 4 inches of positive ease around the body, 2-3 inches of positive ease around the arms.

Materials

Needles: US 6 / 4mm or size needed to obtain gauge for the body
US 5 / 3.75mm or one size smaller than main needle for the garter stitch cuffs and button band
Crochet hook and scrap yarn for provisional cast on
Tapestry Needle
Between 3 and 6 buttons (number will change depending on how long you want your cardigan). Buttons should be approximately 1 inch (4 cm) in diameter. Mine were about ¾ of an inch for reference. (a size medium from Idlewild Clay)