LouisaHardingCardis_coverjacket.FINAL.

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KnittinghCrafts
$24.95 US $31.95 CANADA

Louisa Harding
C A R D IGA N S
Since she was little girl, Louisa has made clothes. L o u i s a H a r d i n g
She earned a BA in Textiles for Fashion, and took a

A fashion standby gets new life!

job at Rowan Yarns, who published two of her very

C A R DIGA N S

C A R DIGA N S
early designs in Rowan Magazine No. 6. She was
a designer for Rowan for 11 years. Since having
children, she has worked alongside her husband,
Once relegated to the closet and confined to
Stephen, a photographer. Together they created the
wear-at-home attire, the cardigan sweater gets a
“Miss Bea” series of knitting books, inspired by
new lease on life with more than 25 exquisite
their children, Belle and Oscar.
designs from Louisa Harding. This humble, yet
popular style is utterly transformed in Harding’s
In 2005 she introduced her own line of yarns and
capable hands into a bold statement-piece
pattern publications. She is thoroughly enjoying the
that’s feminine, elegant, romantic and especially
creative experience, playing with color, texture and
versatile. Cardigans brings a host of options
designing beautiful knitwear patterns.
for pattern designs, with chapters focusing on
Classics, Edgings, Lace, Cable and Fair Isle
Stephen Jessup stitches and finally, Dressing Up.
As a child Stephen Jessup always loved photography.
As an adult he was encouraged to get a “proper job.” What’s truly special about these designs is not
A renewed enthusiasm for photography emerged only their beauty, but their adaptability, as
when his children were born and he picked up a proved by Harding’s wonderful play on alterna-
camera once more and his wife, Louisa, a knitwear
designer discovered that he had real talent. Since
2003 he has worked alongside Louisa, collaborating
Cardigans will change the way you think about this basic fashion
staple. In Louisa Harding’s designs, this humble cardigan is transformed
with grace and beauty into dozens of unique creations. Included here are
Louisa Harding
is a knitwear designer whose fashions
have appeared in Vogue Knitting,
Lo u i sa Ha rd ing tive embellishments and stitches in each pattern.
With the simple addition of a cable, button,
ribbon, or change-up of yarn, a new design is
on the photographs and visuals for the books Rowan Knitting Magazine and Knitting born. This creative vision gives knitters of all
n more than 25 patterns, with variations on each pattern expanding Magazine. She is the author of many skill levels the confidence to create their own

Lo uisa Harding
they have published together.
the collection to more than 40 unique designs—all with accompanying books, including Natural Knits for knitted masterpieces.
photographs. Babies and Moms and Modern
Classics. Her line of yarns, which bears
Beautifully photographed against the backdrop
n easy-to-understand instructions and charts, with multiple sizes given of some of the most romantic places on
her name, is distributed worldwide.
for each pattern earth—from Venice to London to the beaches
She lives in Yorkshire, England, with
n reference guides for basic finishing techniques and yarn characteristics her husband and two children. of Portugal and the south of France, Cardigans
Cover photography and author photo n more than 50 full-color photographs. will transport you and forever change the way
by Stephen Jessup
you think about (and knit) the lowly, and
With all these beautiful styles, colors and embellishments to choose from, lovely, cardigan.
you’ll never run out of inspiration for knitting this universal favorite.

www.sixthandspringbooks.com

Sixth&Spring Books
233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
CraftshKnitting
 Sixth&Spring Books
233 Spring Street,
New York, NY 10013

Managing Editor
WENDY WILLIAMS

Senior Editor
MICHELLE BREDESON

Art Director
DIANE LAMPHRON

Design Layout and Photography

STEPHEN JESSUP

Vice President, Publisher

TRISHA MALCOLM

Creative Director
JOE VIOR

Production Manager
DAVID JOINNIDES

President
ART JOINNIDES

Copyright © 2009 by Knitting Fever International Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or information storage-and-retrieval systems—without written permission of the publisher.
The patterns in this book were first published by Knitting Fever International Inc.

The written instructions, photographs, designs, projects and patterns are intended for the personal, noncommercial use of the retail
purchaser and are under federal copyright laws; they are not to be reproduced in any form for commercial use. Permission is granted to
photocopy patterns for the personal use of the retail purchaser.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009928027

ISBN: 978-1-933027-88-3

Manufactured in China

1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

First Edition
Cardigans
Louisa Harding
 INTRODUCTION........6

Contents Classics.......8
Marguerite.......10
Willow.......14
Sabrina.......20
Gypsy.......24
Sylph.......30
Otello.......36
Marmee.......40

Edgings.......46
Tide......48
Muse.......54
Ginger......58
Fritillary.......62
Augustine......68
Minnie.......74

Lace, Cables,Fair Isle.......80

Silver.......82
Waterfall......88
Masquerade.......94
Vertigo.....100
Kitty.....106
Alwar.......112

Dressing Up.......116
Cecile......118
Orchis.......124
Lacewing......128
Antillean.......132
Viola.......136
Contarini.......142
Sofia......148
Bundi.......152

GENERAL INFORMATION.......156
ABBREVIATIONS......158
FINISHING TECHNIQUES......158
YARN INFORMATION........159
YARN DISTRIBUTORS.......160
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.......162
INTRODUCTION

Being a girl who is actually never without a cardigan, of course I was

excited by the idea of a cardigan book.
W hile imagining this book, I started to think
about how much I love the humble cardigan.
jacket that fastens up the front”. Today the
humble cardigan can take on many different
My cardigan love affair started as a teenager. looks, and in this book I have explored many
I remember taking one of my grandmother’s interpretations of that same “knitted jacket
cast-offs—a black, machine-knitted number that fastens up the front”. To me the image
made from “courtelle.” I made that cardigan that springs to mind of the traditional cardigan
my own by customizing it with vintage jet is not a flattering picture, usually the cardigan
buttons. I loved that humble cardigan and is tightly fitted and knitted: very often in cream
wore it constantly, dressing it up and down or another mundane color, with large cabled
depending on my mood—with only a bra patterning; there are lots of buttons down the
underneath to make it sexy and with a man’s front, which are then securely fastened over
shirt and belt to punk it up. I wore and wore it an ample bosom and not worn by anyone
until it started to fall to pieces, and instead of under the age of 80. Not a flattering image
wearing it out I wore it at home as my special or look for most women. As a curvy cardigan-
“comfy cardi” when relaxing or feeling poorly. wearing woman myself, I have come to realize
Today the hand-knitted cardigan bears little that the cardigan needs to be a “freer”
resemblance to my grandmother’s dictionary garment, one that will disguise our female
interpretation: “a long-sleeved knitted flaws and enhance our charming assets.

I n this book you will find very few traditional button-up-

the-front cardigans.“I have split the book into four chapters.
around an inspiration point, a central theme, which helps
me pinpoint the yarns I want to use and the color palette
Classics centers around patterns for the “classic” cardigan I want to create. Since the patterns were first published
shapes (V-neck, crew neck, and collared), but all the some of the yarns and shades have become discontinued
patterns have a small twist—three-quarter-length sleeves and availability may be limited, please refer to page 160 for
to showcase that beautiful bracelet, flattering one-button more information regarding the interchangeability of yarns
fastenings, darted waist-shaping to enhance the female from the ever evolving range of Louisa Harding Yarns.’
curve. All are simple and straightforward garments that You will find at the beginning of each pattern I explain
would be useful additions to any wardrobe. The next the inspiration behind the design, the collection it has come
chapter, Edgings, showcases cardigans that have from and the reason I wanted to include it in this
interesting edging details, some knitted at the same time as compilation of cardigan patterns.
the garment and some knitted in contrasting or Please have fun with the patterns! In some instances we
complementary yarn and stitched on. All are simple to have re-photographed the design using a totally different
make but the finished result looks elegant and sophisticat- yarn to show how just a simple yarn change can totally alter
ed. Lace, Cables, Fair Isle—this chapter features cardigans the garment’s look. Do try to think outside of your
with added surface patterning—lace, cables, or Fair Isle. preconceptions of this “knitted jacket that fastens up the
The final chapter, Dressing Up, takes the sweater out on the front”. In the patterns I have shown distinctive fastening
town and shows that the cardigan is indeed the ideal interpretations, button placements, or brooches in favor
garment when dressing up, whether for a party, special of buttons. Add femininity to your garment by adding
occasion, or just to spice up your favorite jeans and T-shirt ribbons to the neck or waist and tying them into a lovely
combination. Here we set about to dispel the myth of the flattering bow, or fasten only the buttons at the waist,
cardigan as solely the work-a-day staple, bringing it into the enhancing your ladylike charms.
light for a fresh, new turn. I hope you enjoy this book and make the “humble”
The designs in this book have been taken from my yarn cardigan your friend. I think they are versatile, sexy and fun,
magazine collections. Each season I design my collections and I truly am never without one.

6
7
8
 Classic
T he patterns here are all great examples of “classic” cardigan shapes. You will find patterns for V-neck,
crew-neck and collared cardigans, however, all the patterns have a small twist—three-quarter length sleeves to ensure you
showcase that beautiful bracelet, flattering one-button fastenings, darted waist shaping. This chapter has simple and
straightforward garments—all of them essential additions to any wardrobe. Classic does not have to be staid, so choose
a beautiful or interesting yarn to knit your cardigan in. Several of the patterns here exemplify how a change of yarn can
completely transform the look of your garment. When you start with a classic and well-designed cardigan, you can make it your
own by your yarn choice and how you customize it by adding a brooch or a belt. Classic can be contemporary and sexy.

9
36
 Otello
This simple little jacket is a classic go-anywhere piece. This design is taken from my collection Venezia,
which we were lucky enough to photograph in Venice itself, rising very early in the morning to beat
the crowds. This garment is photographed on the Rialto Bridge. I love the way the gray and white
marble’s coolness enhances the intensity of the blue yarn.

To fit dress size: Needles

8 10 12 14 16 18 US Pair of 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles
10 12 14 16 18 20 UK Pair of 7 mm (US 10 ½) knitting needles
38 40 42 44 46 48 EU

Actual size: Ease allowance approx 10 cm (4 in) Buttons

91 97 103 107 112 118 cm 6 large buttons
36 38 40½ 42 44 46½ in

Finished length: Tension/gauge

53.5 53.5 56 56 58.5 58.5 cm 13 sts x 17 rows to 10 cm (4 in) square measured
21 21 22 22 23 23 in over st st using 7 mm (US 10 ½) knitting needles.

Sleeve Length:
35.5 35.5 38 38 40.5 40.5 cm
14 14 15 15 16 16 in

Yarn
Knitted in bulky–weight yarn
1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Ca’d’Oro
sh. 7 Midnight
10 11 12 12 13 14 x 50g balls

37
46
 Edgings
A dding an edging to your garment takes your knitting skill to another level, mainly because it forces you to
experiment with design. While the patterns are very straightforward, the edgings dazzle, using lace or cable stitches and
contrasting or complementary yarns. So go ahead: take a simple cardigan pattern and mix and match the different edgings here.
Finally, feel free to choose a completely different shade or yarn from the main body for a totally unique-to-you look.

47
54
 Muse
This elegant little cardigan is simple in construction. I wanted to use the softest of yarns and opted for a lovely
variegated angora. I highlighted one of the colors and used a ribbon yarn for the edgings, which are sewn on
once the garment is completed. Alternatively this design could be knitted using a single yarn in one color
(for both body and edging) for a more uniform-looking garment.

To fit dress size: Needles

8 10 12 14 16 18 US Pair of 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles
10 12 14 16 18 20 UK Pair of 5.5 mm (US 9) knitting needles
38 40 42 44 46 48 EU

Actual size: Ease allowance approx 5 cm (2 in) Button

86 90 97 103 106 110 cm 1 medium mother of pearl
34 35½ 38¼ 40½ 41¾ 43¼ in

Finished length: Tension/gauge

43 43 45.5 45.5 48.5 48.5 cm 22 sts x 30 rows to 10cm (4 in) square measured over
17 17 18 18 19 19 in st st using 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles and yarn A

Sleeve Length:
40.5 40.5 42 42 43 43 cm
16 16 16½ 16½ 17 17 in

Yarn
Knitted in double knitting–weight yarn
1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Kimono Angora
and Kimono Ribbon Pure
A. Kimono Angora sh. 9 Pink Shell
5 5 6 6 6 7 x 25g balls
B. Kimono Ribbon Pure sh. 1 Rice
2 2 2 3 3 3 x 50g balls

55
112
 alwar
This design comes from my Rajasthan collection. I love the elegance of this allover lace cardigan and the unusual
addition of clasps as front fastenings. So as not to disrupt the lace pattern, it is worked in one piece
up to the armholes and all the edgings are worked at the same time as the main body piece. The lace stitch is
enhanced by the choice of a silk yarn, and the drape of the fabric is understated and sophisticated.

To fit dress size: Needles

8–10 12–14 16–18 US Pair of 3.25 mm (US 3) circular knitting needles
10–12 14–16 18–20 UK Pair of 3.25 mm (US 3) knitting needles
38–40 42–44 46–48 EU Pair of 4 mm (US 6) circular knitting needles
Pair of 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles
Actual size: Ease allowance approx 6.5–10 cm (2½–4 in)
87.5 102.5 117 cm
34½ 40½ 46 in Note
Because of the large number of sts on the needles for back
Finished length: & fronts I suggest using pairs of circular needles.
54 54 54 cm
21¼ 21¼ 21¼ in
Extras
Sleeve length: 5 small clasps
44 44 44 cm
17¼ 17¼ 17¼ in
Tension/gauge
22 sts x 32 rows to 10cm (4in) square measured over
Yarn lace pattern using 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles
Knitted in double knitting–weight yarn
1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Mulberry sh. 16 Teal
9 10 11 x 50g balls

113
116
 Dressing Up
T he aim of this chapter is to dispel the myth that the cardigan is nothing more than a core work-a-day staple of the
wardrobe. When knitted in exciting yarns, embellished creatively, and worn with a bit of flair and creativity, the cardigan is the ideal
garment to dress up. The patterns here were created with the exclusive purpose of spicing up the sweater—and the girl in it!
I’ve often said that as we women grow older we never lose sight of our inner “Barbie.” We just suppress it. I am hereby
dusting off that tiara. Now go experiment with interesting yarn combinations, explore adding embroidery to your knitting, embellish
with something pretty, and, finally, release the creative inner you.

117
124
 orchis
This very simple bolero is knitted using my Sari Ribbon yarn. It is very quick to knit, as the yarn is bulky weight.
When I first saw the Sari Ribbon yarn, I was drawn to it like a magpie. The vibrant ribbon with the metallic core
just reminded me of Indian Saris that I had seen when visiting Rajasthan in India. I knew that I wanted to include
this yarn in my collection—it appealed to my inner girlyness, as I knew it would appeal to all women.

To fit dress size: Needles

8 10 12 14 16 18 US Pair of 7 mm (US 10½) knitting needles
10 12 14 16 18 20 UK Pair of 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles
38 40 42 44 46 48 EU Pair of 7 mm (US 10½) circular needles

Actual size: Ease allowance approx 5 cm (2 in)

87 90 97 103 107 110 cm Tension/gauge
34 ¼ 35 ½ 38 ¼ 40 ½ 42 43 ¼ in 12 sts x 16 rows to 10 cm (4 in) square measured
over st st using 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles.
Finished length:
43 43 44 44 45 45 cm
17 17 17¼ 17¼ 17¾ 17¾ in

Sleeve length:
30 30 32 32 34 34 cm
12 12 12½ 12½ 13½ 13½ in

Yarn
Knitted in bulky-weight yarn
1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Sari Ribbon
sh. 6 Silver Olive
7 7 8 8 9 9 x 50g balls

125
LouisaHardingCardis_coverjacket.FINAL.qxd:Layout 1 5/28/09 7:17 PM Page 1

KnittinghCrafts
$24.95 US $31.95 CANADA

Louisa Harding
C A R D IGA N S
Since she was little girl, Louisa has made clothes. L o u i s a H a r d i n g
She earned a BA in Textiles for Fashion, and took a

A fashion standby gets new life!

job at Rowan Yarns, who published two of her very

C A R DIGA N S

C A R DIGA N S
early designs in Rowan Magazine No. 6. She was
a designer for Rowan for 11 years. Since having
children, she has worked alongside her husband,
Once relegated to the closet and confined to
Stephen, a photographer. Together they created the
wear-at-home attire, the cardigan sweater gets a
“Miss Bea” series of knitting books, inspired by
new lease on life with more than 25 exquisite
their children, Belle and Oscar.
designs from Louisa Harding. This humble, yet
popular style is utterly transformed in Harding’s
In 2005 she introduced her own line of yarns and
capable hands into a bold statement-piece
pattern publications. She is thoroughly enjoying the
that’s feminine, elegant, romantic and especially
creative experience, playing with color, texture and
versatile. Cardigans brings a host of options
designing beautiful knitwear patterns.
for pattern designs, with chapters focusing on
Classics, Edgings, Lace, Cable and Fair Isle
Stephen Jessup stitches and finally, Dressing Up.
As a child Stephen Jessup always loved photography.
As an adult he was encouraged to get a “proper job.” What’s truly special about these designs is not
A renewed enthusiasm for photography emerged only their beauty, but their adaptability, as
when his children were born and he picked up a proved by Harding’s wonderful play on alterna-
camera once more and his wife, Louisa, a knitwear
designer discovered that he had real talent. Since
2003 he has worked alongside Louisa, collaborating
Cardigans will change the way you think about this basic fashion
staple. In Louisa Harding’s designs, this humble cardigan is transformed
with grace and beauty into dozens of unique creations. Included here are
Louisa Harding
is a knitwear designer whose fashions
have appeared in Vogue Knitting,
Lo u i sa Ha rd ing tive embellishments and stitches in each pattern.
With the simple addition of a cable, button,
ribbon, or change-up of yarn, a new design is
on the photographs and visuals for the books Rowan Knitting Magazine and Knitting born. This creative vision gives knitters of all
n more than 25 patterns, with variations on each pattern expanding Magazine. She is the author of many skill levels the confidence to create their own

Lo uisa Harding
they have published together.
the collection to more than 40 unique designs—all with accompanying books, including Natural Knits for knitted masterpieces.
photographs. Babies and Moms and Modern
Classics. Her line of yarns, which bears
Beautifully photographed against the backdrop
n easy-to-understand instructions and charts, with multiple sizes given of some of the most romantic places on
her name, is distributed worldwide.
for each pattern earth—from Venice to London to the beaches
She lives in Yorkshire, England, with
n reference guides for basic finishing techniques and yarn characteristics her husband and two children. of Portugal and the south of France, Cardigans
Cover photography and author photo n more than 50 full-color photographs. will transport you and forever change the way
by Stephen Jessup
you think about (and knit) the lowly, and
With all these beautiful styles, colors and embellishments to choose from, lovely, cardigan.
you’ll never run out of inspiration for knitting this universal favorite.

www.sixthandspringbooks.com

Sixth&Spring Books
233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
CraftshKnitting