Perfect execution elevates this tweed cardigan from classic to icon. Saddle shoulders, subtle waist shaping, a wide purl column at the back and faux seams create a flawless tailored silhouette—all without any sewing. Smart stripes are the final touch to make this a standout piece.

Worked from the top down, construction starts with the saddles; stitches are then picked up along each side and the yoke worked downward with simultaneous set-in sleeves. A deep mock rib finishes the cuffs and body. A generous range of ten sizes (to fit chest measurements from 32” to 65” / 81.5 to 165 cm) ensures a great fit. Optional faux seams lend the look of a seamed sweater and provide structure.

#sizeinclusive to a 67.5” / 171.5 cm finished chest measurement.

This knitting pattern includes written directions, front and back images, and schematic with measurements.

Sizes & Finished Measurements
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X)
Finished chest, buttoned: 34 (37 ¼, 40 ¼, 43 ½, 48 ¼, 51 ½, 57 ¼, 60 ¼, 64 ¼, 67 ½)“ / 86.5 (94.5, 102, 110.5, 122.5, 131, 145.5, 153, 163, 171.5) cm
Back length: 22 ½ (23 ¼, 23 ¾, 24 ¼, 24 ¼, 24 ¾, 25 ¼, 25 ¾, 26, 26)” / 57 (59, 60.5, 61.5, 61.5, 63, 64, 65.5, 66, 66) cm
Upper arm: 11 ½ (12 ½, 13 ½, 14 ¾, 16 ½, 17 ½, 18 ¾, 19 ¼, 19 ¼, 19 ½)“ / 29 (32, 34.5, 37.5, 42, 44.5, 47.5, 49, 49, 49.5) cm
Designed with 2 to 4” (5 to 10 cm) positive ease.

Yardage
Worsted weight yarn
Main Colour 260 (280, 305, 325, 350, 375, 405, 425, 450, 470) yd / 240 (255, 275, 295, 320, 345, 370, 390, 415, 430) m
5 x Contrasting Colour 185 (200, 215, 235, 260, 280, 305, 325, 345, 365) yd / 170 (180, 200, 215, 235, 260, 280, 300, 315, 330) m

Use the Knit Picks kit builder to customize colours and place your order.

Shown in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed (affiliate) (80% Peruvian Highland Wool, 20% Donegal Tweed; 110 yards/50g) in Farmhouse Heather, Indigo Heather, Barn Door Heather, Autumn Heather, Dill Heather, Brass Heather.

Substitution Notes
Choose a worsted weight yarn. The original is a non-superwash that works up at 4.5 to 5 sts per inch (2.5 cm) on 4 to 5.5 mm (US 6-9) needles. Wools (including superwash) and wool blends will substitute well. For plant fibres and acrylics, knit a large swatch, block it and hang your swatch to assess. Consider stash busting to make the stripes or working this classic-shaped cardigan in a solid colour.

Techniques
Knitting in the round, increases/decreases, backwards loop cast on, saddle shoulder sweater construction, top down, one piece, worked flat, seamless, phoney seams (explained), German short rows, picking up stitches, buttonholes and sewing on buttons.

Helpful Links
Raised Increases video tutorial
Raised Increases photo tutorial
SSK & SSP Decreases video tutorial
How to spit splice two colours together and minimize the number of ends to sew in.

Holli receives a small commission on purchases from Knit Picks.