A cropped V-neck modified drop-shoulder basic cardigan with timeless broken rib stitch pattern and sleek “join as you go” button bands.

This pattern has been test knitted and tech edited.

This is my version of a basic and versatile cardigan that is slightly cropped. Timeless broken rib stitch combines with wider ribbing on the shoulders. It has a well constructed button band that is secure and not likely to go out of shape over time. Sleeves are roomy in the upperarm and have a slightly sculptural look.

The name of this cardigan comes from the zen expression 日日是好日 (nichinichi kore kounichi). It literally translates to “every day is a good day”. When I wear this cardigan, I would like to remind myself to be thankful for each day and to spend it in a meaningful way.

This modified drop-shoulder cardigan is worked flat from the bottom up. V-neck is shaped with decreases (SSK and K2tog). Stitches are bound off at the underarm before working straight to the shoulders. Shoulders are joined using modified 3-needle bind off. Sleeves are worked flat from the cuff, then seamed to the body. Button bands are worked from the hem and joined as you go. At the back of the neck, the bands are grafted with an almost invisible Kitchener Stitch for 1x1 Ribbing. Video tutorials have been made to show how the button band and grafting are done.

The broken rib stitch fabric and all the details before seaming the sleeves are designed to look good on both sides. If you wish to modify the pattern to make a cardigan or a vest with the reverse side of the fabric, some tips and suggestions are given in the pattern.

FINISHED BUST MEASUREMENT (buttoned up)

Size 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)
99.5 (106.5, 117, 124)(134.5, 141.5, 151.5) cm
39¼ (42, 46, 48¾)(53, 55¾, 59¾) inches

The sample is shown in Size 1 with 12.5 cm / 5” positive ease at bust. Suggested ease: + 9.5 to 18.5 cm / 3¾ to 7¼”.

YARN

Fingering weight
Great Ocean Road Woollen Mill
La Bella (400 m / 437 yards per 100 g skein, 80% merino 20% alpaca)
Sample colour: Medium Grey

Size 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)
1200 (1260, 1415, 1490)(1710, 1780, 1955) m
1310 (1380, 1550, 1630)(1870, 1945, 2140) yards
3 (4, 4, 4)(5, 5, 5) skeins

NEEDLES

One 3 mm / US 2½ circular needle, 80 cm / 32” or longer.
One 3 mm / US 2½ circular needle, 40 cm / 16” or a pair of 3 mm / US 2½ double-pointed needles for knitting button bands.
One 3.5 mm / US 4 circular needle, 80 cm / 32” or longer.
One spare 3.5 mm / US 4 needle for 3-needle BO.

NOTIONS

Locking stitch markers (4), stitch markers (4), stitch holder or waste yarn, tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

GAUGE (after blocking)

23 sts and 36 rows = 10 cm / 4” in Broken Rib Stitch with 3.5 mm / US 4 needle.

TEST KNITTERS AND TECH EDITOR

Thank you to lovely friends Uiko, Teri, Su Yan, Tomomi, Jikon, Roberta, Terry, Helena, Tash, Emma, Sylvia, Wimpje, Tea and Christine for your patience and help in test knitting.

Thank you Naoko Ogawa for tech editing.