Capture Cardigan

Capture Cardigan by Afifa Knits Designs

What is Being Made

The Capture Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan that reimagines a traditionally slouchy silhouette into a floaty, drapey garment designed for easy everyday wear. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished garment with a flattering fit, available in multiple sizes ranging from 45 to 67 inches in finished bust circumference. The cardigan features a button front closure and is constructed using a raglan sleeve construction method.

Design Features and Construction

The design combines several key construction techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. Dropped stitches create a simple raglan detail at the sleeve cap, adding visual interest while maintaining the garment's fluid drape. Subtle shaping at the bottom hem provides a flattering silhouette that prevents the cardigan from appearing overly baggy despite its relaxed fit. The pattern uses stitch markers to define key sections during construction, with set-up rows establishing marker placements at regular intervals across the body width.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The primary stitch work uses stockinette stitch as the base fabric, created by alternating knit and purl rows. The construction method utilizes long circular needles for managing the larger circumference required for this oversized cardigan style. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked at marked intervals to create the raglan sleeve cap and body shaping. The pattern includes a stitch chart for reference, allowing knitters to follow the construction sequence visually.

Yarn and Materials

The Capture Cardigan requires 1400 to 2650 yards of yarn depending on the size selected. The recommended yarn combination pairs two distinct fiber blends for optimal drape and texture. The main color (MC) is worked in Tosh Merino Light in the colorway Blue Sky, a single-ply merino wool that provides softness and breathability. The contrast color (CC) uses Shibui Silk Cloud, a mohair and silk blend that contributes airiness and luxurious drape to the finished garment. This fiber combination—merino wool paired with mohair and silk—creates the signature floaty quality that distinguishes this cardigan from heavier knit styles.

The yarn weight is classified as 4-ply and lace weight, creating a lightweight fabric suitable for layering. Knitters will need US size 6 (4mm) needles for the main fabric, along with US size 5 (3.75mm) needles for ribbed edgings or cuffs. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, scrap yarn for provisional cast-ons or stitch holders, and approximately 6 to 8 buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches in pattern on US size 6 needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and drape. The cardigan is offered with an 8 to 10 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished bust measurement will be 8 to 10 inches larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement. This generous ease contributes to the relaxed, floaty silhouette that defines the Capture Cardigan's design aesthetic.