When it comes to wardrobe staples that strike the perfect balance between comfort, style, and practicality, the A462 Ladies V-Neck Cardigan with Pockets stands out as an everyday essential. Designed for modern women who value both fashion and function, this cardigan is more than just a layering piece—it’s a reliable go-to for any season.
How to Make the Acadia V-Neck Cardigan
This relaxed V-neck cardigan is knitted in separate pieces and finished with a wide front band, buttonholes and practical pockets. The design features a comfortable fit, gently shaped shoulders and full-length sleeves, making it a versatile layering piece for cooler weather.
Sizes and Finished Measurements
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian size | 8–10 | 12–14 | 16–18 | 20–22 |
| Fits bust | 80 cm | 90 cm | 100 cm | 110 cm |
| Finished garment bust | 90 cm | 100 cm | 110 cm | 120 cm |
| Approximate length | 62 cm | 63 cm | 64 cm | 65 cm |
| Sleeve length | 43 cm | 43 cm | 43 cm | 43 cm |
What You Will Need
- 8, 9, 10 or 11 balls of Lincraft Acadia yarn, depending on size
- One pair of 4.5 mm knitting needles
- One 4.5 mm circular needle, approximately 100 cm long
- A stitch holder
- A wool needle
- Smooth contrasting yarn for markers
- Five buttons
Tension
For the correct finished size, work to a tension of 19 stitches and 25 rows over 10 cm in stocking stitch using 4.5 mm needles.
Always knit a tension square before beginning and adjust the needle size where necessary.
Construction Overview
The cardigan is worked in five main pieces:
- Back
- Left front
- Right front
- Two sleeves
The front pieces include integrated pocket sections. Once the main pieces have been knitted, the shoulder seams are joined and a long front band is picked up around both front edges and the back neck.
Knitting the Back
The back begins with a garter-stitch border before continuing in stocking stitch. Stitches are increased evenly across the final border row.
Work straight until the armhole position is reached, then mark both sides with contrasting yarn. Continue without further shaping until the required armhole depth has been completed.
Shape the shoulders by casting off stitches over several rows. Place the remaining centre stitches on a holder for the back neck.
Knitting the Fronts and Pockets
Each front begins with a garter-stitch border.
For the pocket opening, work one group of stitches separately in garter stitch to form the front of the pocket. Cast on a second group of stitches to form the pocket backing.
Once the pocket section is complete, bring all stitches together and continue the front in stocking stitch.
Mark the armhole at the same height as the back. Shape the V-neck by decreasing one stitch at the front edge at regular intervals. Work the shoulder shaping to match the back.
Work the right front as a mirror image of the left front.
Knitting the Sleeves
Each sleeve begins with a garter-stitch cuff.
Increase stitches gradually along both edges to create the sleeve shape. Work further increases across the garter-stitch section before returning to stocking stitch.
Continue increasing at the intervals given in the pattern until the required number of stitches has been reached. Work straight until the sleeve measures approximately 43 cm, or the preferred finished length, then cast off.
Adding the Front Band
Join the shoulder seams before beginning the front band.
Using the circular needle, pick up stitches evenly along:
- The right front straight edge
- The right front V-neck slope
- The back neck
- The left front V-neck slope
- The left front straight edge
The circular needle is used only to hold the large number of stitches. Work backwards and forwards in rows rather than in the round.
Knit seven rows in garter stitch. On the next row, form five evenly spaced buttonholes along the appropriate front edge. Knit another seven rows in garter stitch, then cast off loosely.
Finishing the Cardigan
Position the centre of each sleeve at the shoulder seam and sew the sleeves evenly between the armhole markers.
Join the sleeve and side seams, then sew the side and lower edges of each pocket neatly into position.
Attach the five buttons opposite the buttonholes and sew in all loose ends.
For the best result, gently block the finished cardigan to the measurements shown in the pattern, taking care not to stretch the garter-stitch bands.
Alternative Yarns for This Project
Lincraft Acadia may no longer be available, but this cardigan can be made using another yarn that produces the same tension: 19 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm in stocking stitch on 4.5 mm needles.
As yarn thickness can vary between brands, always knit and wash a tension square before beginning. Adjust your needle size where necessary to achieve the correct tension.
