patterns >
Olive Knits
> Beekeeper Cardigan
![](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mariegreene/527008193/Beekeeper_a_small2.jpg)
![](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mariegreene/526284733/20180603_141226_small2.jpg)
![](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mariegreene/525125534/20180528_161646_small2.jpg)
![](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mariegreene/525125539/20180528_161634_small2.jpg)
![](https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mariegreene/525703401/20180531_132927_small2.jpg)
![](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mariegreene/525390001/20180530_060245_small2.jpg)
![](https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/mariegreene/523584011/IMG_20180521_060058_915_small2.jpg)
Beekeeper Cardigan
Beekeeper is knit top-down and worked flat from the neckline to the bottom hem, with sleeves and neck/front band ribbing worked last. The neckline shaping happens gradually with a curved neckline that is formed with stitches cast-on as you go. The upper bodice is worked to the sleeve divide, then sleeves are separated from the body and the lower portion of the body is worked from there. If you take the time to swatch in pattern and get to know the Little Bee stitch pattern ahead of time, it will make the sweater process more comfortable right from the start.
Tutorials are included!
Can’t get enough of the bees? Check out my Beekeeper Cowl.
Skill Level: Intermediate
To fit bust sizes 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52) in/80 (85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130) cm
Recommended Ease
Approximately 3-4 in/7.5-10cm positive ease included in the pattern for a comfortable fit. (There is no need to go up a size unless you like a more loose/relaxed fit.) Knitting the size that represents your actual bust measurement will result in a sweater with this fit. Cardigan is designed to be worn open, without buttons
Yarn
DK|Knitted Wit| Polwarth Shimmer|85% polwarth wool, 15% silk | 330 yards in 115g |950 (1010, 1100, 1200, 1296, 1455, 1630, 1850) yards/869 (924, 1006, 1097, 1185, 1330, 1490, 1692) meters
Yarn notes
Medium-bodied garment with drape and a bit of sheen. The “little bee” texture shines in this wool blend with a hint of silk. When considering substitutions, err on the side of more wool vs. more silk. Silk adds sheen and a bit of drape, but you can achieve a similar effect with a superwash merino or wool blend with a bit of linen, hemp or cashmere.
Needles
US Size 7/4.5mm 24 – 32 in (60 – 80 cm) circular needle (body)
US Size 7/4.5mm 12 – 16 in (30 – 40 cm) circular needle (sleeves)
US Size 5/3.75mm 12 in (30 cm) circular needle or DPN (sleeve cuffs)
US Size 5/3.75mm 24 in (60 cm) circular needle (neckline)
Note: Use needle size necessary to obtain gauge
Gauge
18 st and 30 rows with larger needle over 4 in/10cm in Little Bee pattern
Notions
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Waste yarn
Blocking pins, blocking mat
3500 projects
stashed
3871 times
697 projects
stashed
848 times
6670 projects
stashed
6522 times
677 projects
stashed
816 times
120 projects
stashed
78 times
6092 projects
stashed
5160 times
78 projects
stashed
67 times
371 projects
stashed
427 times
1843 projects
stashed
2010 times
4796 projects
stashed
3763 times
227 projects
stashed
230 times
465 projects
stashed
554 times
223 projects
stashed
115 times
- First published: May 2018
- Page created: May 17, 2018
- Last updated: May 16, 2024 …
- visits in the last 24 hours
- visitors right now