If you are wondering how to knit a cardigan for beginners, then you’re are going to love The Elle Cardigan!
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Before we begin, here are some quick links for you:
- If you want a PDF of this pattern, then you can find it on Ravelry and Etsy – keep reading for more information about the design process!
- Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here.
- Use the pattern hashtag #TheElleCardigan on Instagram to show off your makes!
- Shop Wool & The Gang Shiny Happy Cotton here!
- If you have any pattern questions, then please email herrstitches@gmail.com.
- Do you want another easy crochet sweater pattern for beginners? Check out my other knit patterns here.
Design Inspiration – how to knit a cardigan for beginners
Does anyone else have a comfort movie? That one movie you turn on after a long day, even though you’ve seen it a million times? You might even know the script word for word, but turning it on feels like getting together with an old friend. For me, that movie is Legally Blonde, in which Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, a stylish blonde who becomes a Harvard-educated lawyer.
The versatility of Elle’s character is the inspiration and namesake for this knit sweater, the Elle cardigan. Although it is drapey and delicate, the mid-thigh length Elle cardigan can also be strictly business and is capable of being worn with professional attire. Much like Legally Blonde is my comfort movie, the Elle cardigan is my comfort sweater.
The perfect cardigan yarn for beginners
To fully embrace the feminine-and-powerful motif of this sweater, I knit it using Shiny Happy Cotton by Wool and the Gang in hot pink. The yarn has not shown any wear or pilling despite regular wear. The hot pink has retained its crisp vibrancy and has not bled into the cream stripes even after blocking and washing. The yarn is also available in many different colors, allowing you to make it your own!
Knit Stitches and Needles
This knitting pattern is super beginner-friendly and makes use of just one stitch, the stockinette stitch. It is truly the perfect cardigan to knit for beginners. To construct the garment, I used KnitPicks 5mm Circular Needles. My Elle cardigan turned out wonderfully, and I’m sure yours will too, with all the comfort and reliability of your favorite watch-it-again movie.
xo,
Jessica
P.S. I absolutely LOVE seeing your makes! If you make any Herr Stitches patterns, then tag me and then I’ll share them!
P.P.S. If you love this design, don’t forget to Pin It to save for later!
