Knitting Kennedy's Colorful Styles Cardigan
Now...before we get too far...I was halfway through the project when I discovered the actual designer, JW Anderson, has released the legitimate free knitting pattern for his Colourblock Patchwork Cardigan. So, I highly suggest you check it out here!
Had I seen this in the beginning, I would have definitely just gone with this headache-free version. However, I did happily note that it was made of chunky yarn (and I could have doubled), but I used vintage worsted yarn that I bought from a retired knitter long ago (and...I wouldn't have had enough to double the yarn, because I already had to fill in with some new buys, as it was). So, anyway...I definitely saved money...annnnndddddd...we all know my creative spirit enjoyed the challenge. Plus, I have a little something special (and fun) to share with you! So, here is my "Colorful Styles" tribute to JD Anderson's Colourblock Patchwork Cardigan, designed for Harry Styles.
Materials:
US Size 8 needles (I prefer long circulars and knit back and forth)
US Size 10 needles
Yarn (I used worsted weight, vintage yarn. However, I was able to substitute with Red Heart and Impeccable by Loops and Threads, which are comparable weights.)
2-3 skeins Red
1-2 skeins Black
1 skein Green
1 skein Yellow
1 skein Orange
1 skein Light Blue
Stitch and Color Instructions:
I opted to go with basic stitches and not attempt to match them exactly to the picture, which was difficult to see. So, for -
- Yellow and Orange, I cast on 22 stitches. I used seed stitch:
Row 1: *K1, P1* repeat * to * to end of row
Row 2: *P1, K1* repeat * to * to end of row
...and I knit for 24 rows.
**For the two blocks in the front neckline (yellow and orange squares on my color work pattern), I reduced a stitch every other row on the neckline side starting at row 10. However, I noticed it drapes a little off the shoulders. Were I to try again, I would recommend starting the decrease at row 16 or so...
- Red and Green, I cast on 22 stitches. I used garter stitch:
Knit every row, front and back side
...and I knit for 36 rows.
- Black and Red/Black Patterned Stitch (R/B), I cast on 22 stitches. I used stockinette stitch:
Purl back row.
...and I knit for 24 rows.
Here is the color work pattern for the black/red square. CO and Bind off in black. Don't forget to knit bottom up. Read knit side right to left, purl side left to right. The first color row is a knit.
I later found out the original was a pattern called houndstooth. You can find that version by clicking here.
I opted to knit each little square, aiming for a 5 x 5 gauge. (Please note the genius designer, who reduced sewing time by knitting rows!!)
Here are my left sleeve/right sleeve color combinations:
Right Sleeve
Green | Orange | Red |
Black/Red | Green | Orange |
Green | Yellow | Black/Red |
Black | Green | Red |
Orange | Black/Red | Green |
Red | Green | Yellow |
Red | Yellow |
Yellow | Black |
Green | Orange |
Black/Red | Green |
Red | Orange |
Orange | Red |
Red | Orange |
Green | Yellow |
Black | Black/Red |
Yellow | Green |
Red | Yellow | Orange | Yellow | Red |
Yellow | Black/Red | Black | Red | Green |
Black/Red | Black | Red | Orange | Black |
Red | Green | Black | Black/Red | Yellow |
Black | Orange | Yellow | Red | Black/Red |
As I knit each square, I was careful to leave longer tails for sewing in. As I was sewing, I was less careful. I wanted the look to be hand-knit, and while I generally try to sew in colors discreetly...this time, I wanted them to show. It was nice to not have to be so tense and perfectionist...and I just think it looks adorable! Love the color, love the style. (My daughter even said it looks "Preme," and from what I can gather, that is a good thing.) ;)
Once I had each section of squares sewn together (sleeves, fronts and back), I took to sewing together the garment.
And then for the borders... this was one heck of a project! I started with the cuffs. I ended up using a single rib stitch (K1, P1 across) with a slightly finer red yarn (vintage). I used size 8 double point needles and completed the cuffs in the round, though, if I were to go back...I might considering adding the cuffs before sewing and knitting them flat. Flat is easier, I think. I carefully picked up each stitch and double checked to have an even amount of stitches and the same amount per sleeve (70). Then, I knit in single rib for about 2 1/2 in.
I followed the same strategy with the bottom cuff. I used a long circular attachment on my size 8 needles and picked up the entire front and back together, knitting in single rib for about 2 1/2 in. I didn't count...it was too overwhelming an amount. I just made sure the amount of stitches were even to make the single rib easier.
Next, I added the button and button-hole band. It is knit in a contrasting light blue collar, and I think it really adds a nice appeal. I knit this band before the collar, because I wanted the collar to attach to it, as well. For the button-hole band, I picked up 78 stitches, using the larger needles and the blue yarn. I knit 8 rows in garter stitch, on the 9th row, I bound off one stitch at stitches 6, 16, 30, 44, 58, and 72. I cast on above each stitch on the next row. Then, I continued in garter stitch for 6 rows before binding off.
For the button-side band, I picked up 78 stitches and knit 14 rows in garter before binding off.
Lastly, I created the collar. Using the red yarn and larger needles, I picked up 20 stitches along the right band and front, 48 stitches along the back and 20 stitches along the left front and band. I knit in single rib for about 8 inches (until I liked the flop-over fold), before binding off.
After a great deal of sewing in ends, and a whole heck of a lot of trial and error, I was finally pleased to present to Kennedy, her Colorful Styles Cardigan for her 25th birthday.

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