So far in our wardrobe of handmade basics, we’ve got a button-down shirt, a classic crewneck pullover and a sweatshirt. A well-rounded closet needs 1-3 cardigans, if you ask me, and for my money the most useful, hardest working of them is a V-neck cardigan. (Referred to increasingly often as a “boyfriend” cardigan, but that term gets up my nose!) Especially if it’s thin and light and knitted from a cotton or linen blend, a simple cardigan like this can be a year-round layering piece and girl’s best friend. Here are three great options, with key distinctions among them:
TOP: Uniform by Carrie Bostick Hoge has been mentioned often here — with an array of choices for sleeve length and shape, body length and shape, pocket approaches and neckback treatments, it might be the only pattern you need. Worsted-weight, raglan-sleeved, bottom-up seamless
MIDDLE: Equation by Enjolina Campbell has slant pockets I totally love. (It also has a decorative purl-stitch chevron motif on the sides that you could easily leave out, if preferred.) Worsted-weight, set-in sleeves, knitted flat and seamed
BOTTOM: Bly by Amy Christoffers (free pattern) is an ultra-basic raglan with a split-hem (which you could also omit) and garter-edged-ribbing detail. Worsted-weight, top-down seamless (See also: Shapely Boyfriend by Stefanie Japel)
(For more on sweater construction, pros and cons, see An intro to sweater construction)
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PREVIOUSLY in Make Your Own Basics: The sweatshirt