Matchstick Cardigan

If you're a knitting enthusiast like me, you know how important it is to have patterns that keep your creative juices flowing. My favorite techniques include rich cabling and delicate lacework, but let’s be honest: there's nothing more tedious than knitting an entire garment in plain stockinette stitch. That said, many of my friends have expressed a desire for an “easier pattern” suitable for advanced beginners. To meet this request, I’ve designed an accessible yet engaging casual cardigan that fits the bill perfectly.

This cardigan features an intriguing stitch pattern that combines textured knit and purl stitches with a slipped stitch column, all crafted into a straightforward 20-row repeat. It's not entirely mindless knitting, making it an engaging project that offers a satisfying challenge without being overwhelming.

The construction of the cardigan is designed for ease: the back and left front pieces are worked from the bottom up, featuring sloped shoulder seams achieved through staggered bind-offs, which adds a nice touch of detail. The right front, on the other hand, begins at the shoulder and works down toward the neckline, resulting in a shorter length compared to the left front. This shoulder slope is created by incorporating simple increases, while the buttonholes are seamlessly integrated into the piece as part of the design.

This cardigan pattern strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and style, making it a fantastic choice for knitters looking to step up their skills without the need for extensive experience. Whether you're knitting for yourself or a loved one, this versatile cardigan will quickly become a go-to wardrobe staple.