Pencil Cardigan Knitting Pattern Adult Multiple Sizes Digital Download

Inspired by the colourful buzz of the Folkestone Creative Quarter, this design transforms the spirit of artists’ studios, paint-splattered tables and  that unmistakable “box of pencils” charm into a cosy, wearable piece of knitwear joy.

Knitted sideways using intarsia colourwork, it approaches cardigan-making from a fresh angle — one that lets the pencils shine with crisp definition and gives the finished garment a beautiful, fluid drape. If you’ve never worked a cardigan this way before, you’re in exactly the right place. The pattern guides you step by step with charts and written instructions, and the rhythm of the colour blocks quickly becomes intuitive and satisfying.

Whether you’re here for the bold colours, the clever construction, or simply the delight of wearing your own row of pencils, this project is designed to make you feel capable, creative and excited to cast on. You absolutely can make this — and you’ll have a brilliant time doing it.

Skill Level: Medium-Difficult
This pattern combines sideways construction, intarsia colourwork, several increase and decrease techniques, picking up stitches and knitting in
the round.
Skills needed: Knit, purl, simple rib, single increases and decreases, double increases and decreases, intarsia and reading a knitting chart, counting stitches, 
picking up stitches, German short rows, knitting in the round. Suggested cast on is Alternating Long Tail, suggested bind off is Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off.
Everything is explained step by step, making it a rewarding project for knitters looking to sharpen their skills. If you're tackling these techniques for the first time, a comprehensive Techniques section is included.

Sizing: This cardigan doesn't use strictly 'traditional' sizing. This is because each size increase is based on the width of an additional pencil being knitted into the garment. The best way to find your size is to measure your chest circumference, and decide whether you would like it to be a little bit snug (negative ease) or loose (positive ease). Both look good, but personally I prefer a positive ease of between 5-10 cm.

Finished garment measurements. Size 1 = 90cm chest. Size 2 = 101cm chest. Size 3 = 112cm chest. Size 4 = 123cm chest. Size 5 = 134cm chest. 
Full arm/underarm/bicep/cuff/back/neck measurements provided with pattern.

Fits UK sizes approx 8 - 24.

Gauge: 22 sts by 30 rows to 10cm square. Worked in stocking stitch using 4mm needles and measured on a washed, blocked & dried swatch

Yarn Requirements: Both samples use hand dyed yarns by Folkestone Harbour Yarn in the
following colourways and yarn bases, which are available elsewherein this shop.

Main colour: 'Beach Hut Grey' in Merino blend Double Knit. 75% superwash merino/25% nylon. 225M per 100g skein. 4 (4, 5, 6, 6) skeins. Meterage: 810 (890, 990, 1185, 1340) m.
            
Contrast Colour 1: 'Cappuccino' in Merino blend Double Knit. 75% superwash merino/25% nylon. 225M per 100g skein. 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) skein. Meterage 110 (120, 135, 150, 160) m.

Contrast Colours 2 through 9: 'Sunset Beach' mini skein set in Merino blend Double Knit. Colours are Peony, Flamingo, Heather, Peach, Bubblegum, Candyfloss, Parma Violet and Coral. 75% superwash merino/25% nylon. 8 x 20g mini skeins. 45m per 20g skein.

Tools:
4mm 80cm cable needles.
3.75mm 80-100cm cable needles.
4mm 40cm cable needles  or  set of 5 x 4mm DPN's at least 22 cm length.
3.75mm 40cm cable needles  or set of 5 x 3.75mm DPN's at least 22 cm length .
a handful of stitch markers or scrap yarn 
Buttons 10 (10, 10, 11, 11) buttons of your choice. I used Trimits pencil shaped 2 hole buttons, 19mm. If using round buttons choose some with a 15 - 16mm diameter.
Scissors or snips.
a blunt ended wool needle.
dressmakers pins (optional).
Blocking mats and pins.