Handknit Cardigans – Perfect for layering!

My Handknit Cardigans

This past year I have made two cardigans, both as gifts. Although knitting flat can be painful to a strictly ‘in the round’ knitter, the time spent is definitely worth it. After spending so many hours on a project I want to be able to get as much use out of the garment as possible, and a handknit cardigan ticks this box; acting as a light jacket in spring and summer and a cosy layer in autumn and winter. Handknit cardigans can be worn any day of the year!

Choosing the perfect cardigan

When planning to make a handknit cardigan there are a few things to consider; yarn, shape, fit and construction.

Yarn

Choosing a yarn can be overwhelming, there’s fibre content, weight and colour to consider. I suggest starting with thinking about when and how you are going to wear your handknit cardigan. Is it for a specific season? For summer a more appropriate yarn could be a cotton / linen blend whereas if this is meant as a winter garment maybe a wool or alpaca yarn is going to be better suited.

My Salerno Cardigan by The Knit Purl Girl is knitted in a super chunky wool and alpaca yarn. This handknit cardigan is perfect in the winter and feels like a constant warm hug! I knit this with an un labelled yarn from my stash however you could get a similar result with our Wool Couture Cheeky Chunky yarn!

Shape and fit

Everyone is different and prefers different shaped garments. Oversized boxy fit cardigans such as the Champagne Cardigan by PetiteKnit prove very popular, with a sleek v neck and double knit button band this cardigan could be dressed up or down. Other cardigan patterns can be made more delicate and classically fitted, Cardigan no.7 by My Favourite Things Knitwear made the perfect birthday present for my Mum. Made in my favourite yarns Camarose Snefnug and Midnatssol. This airy combination creates a gorgeous drape and fluffy texture.

Lastly… Construction

Top down, bottom up, steeked, seamed, the construction methods can get confusing! It can be simpler…

If you are after a simple seamless knit have a look at top down raglan or circular yokes! A step up could be using a pattern with an interesting stitch pattern such as the Magnolia Bloom Cardigan by Camilla Vad.
For a colourwork cardigan try steeking (a process involving knitting in the round and then cutting and sewing your work!) Why not check out Eugenie’s Daisied cardigan, perfect for spring and summer layering!

Styling a handknit cardigan

My handknit cardigans were both made as gifts for my Mum. She loves to wear the cardigans as much as possible, and I often borrow them. Handknit cardigans look great with casual jeans and t-shirts, but I personally love to pair them with long skirts and dresses! They add such a great amount of texture and depth to an outfit, and of course being able to answer the question of “where did you get it?” with “I made it myself” is always a bonus!

If you have made a cardigan you love, let us know! , please tag us on Instagram @___yak and use the hashtag #YakMakes so we can get inspired for our next makes!

Until next time.. Happy Knitting!