Autumn Edit Sweater #2: The Cardigan – The Ultimate Layering Piece
Coming back from our England trip with Rowan, I was struck by just how essential cardigans really are. They weren’t just handy—they were the heroes of our wardrobes. Whitney packed her brand new Baguette Cardigan, and it seemed the perfect accompaniment to every outfit she wore. (Spoiler alert: she and I will be talking more about it on YouTube this week!) Joy, a certified Master Knitter, traveled with two beautiful cardigans that served her well through every situation the trip brought.
My own perfect cardigan was Smock by Martin Storey. I originally brought it as a tribute to Martin himself, but I quickly discovered how versatile it was. I wore it with dress slacks for the workshop, then later dressed it up with a skirt for dinner, and of course it worked perfectly with jeans. That’s the beauty and magic of a, classic cardigan—it’s easy and elegant, and at home wherever it goes.
Why cardigans belong in every fall wardrobe
- Flexible layering: Slip them on or off without fuss as temps change
- Style chameleons: Dress up jeans, top off a dress, or add polish to a simple shell
- Timeless: A classic cardigan is always polished, always appropriate, and never goes out of style
In the Autumn Edit, we started with a fun accessory—the Churchmouse Quadrangle wrap (a , and then moved on to shells (your base layer). This week, we’re moving to cardigans, the indispensable layer that gives you comfort and freedom as the season shifts.
beautiful cardigans to knit right now
Baguette Jacket by Soumine KIM
This top down cabled cardigan at a gauge of 18 stitches per 4 inches, this was Whitney’s constant companion in England, and it always looked great. She layered it over tees and even other handknits.
Grand Coquelicot
Joy wore this lovely cardigan several times on our trip. In a soft off white, it was the perfect neutral and always looked polished, especially with the smart modifications she made. . This is a lighter cardigan that is nice for right now. It would be lovely in Felted Tweed.
Smock by Martin Storey
I love this cardigan, even though I'm not a fn of crew necks or raglans, but with the neck open, it works for me, and the raglan line has such a fantastic detailing, I am in love. In Pure Alpaca
Chunky Home Cardigan by Caidree
Modern, cozy, and effortless. I love it in MODE Merino Soft held with MODE Alpaca Haze (aran + lace for a plush fabric at a relaxed gauge). It’s that “grab-and-go” layer you’ll reach for on crisp mornings.
Top Down Wrap sweater by Knitting Pure and Simple
A basic wrap sweater with great lines and an easy fit. You can tie it or not. Crop it for a ballet-inspired wrap that's light, elegant, and endlessly wearable. In MODE Alpaca Wool DK, it wraps close to the body without bulk—perfect over a shell a blouse, or whatever. .
Theresia Cardigan by Gregoria Fibers
The classic knitters’ cardigan. Rowan Felted Tweed held with Kidsilk Haze creates a lightweight, warm fabric with gorgeous depth and character. At 24 sts, it’s fine enough for layering but packed with tweedy interest.
Fabric matters: fibers that shine in cardigans
- Structure for stability: A touch of bounce (wool/alpaca blends) helps button bands and cuffs hold their shape.
- Durability: Choose yarns that will wear well (not always the softest) because you’ll wear a cardigan a lot. You can always carry along something fuzzy to soften the feel.
- Tweeds & heathers: Subtle color depth makes simple silhouettes look rich without overwhelming your outfit.
FAQ: Your cardigan questions, answered
What’s the best yarn weight for a cardigan?
DK and light worsted are sweet spots for most climates—warm without bulk and ideal for layering. You can also “make” a DK by pairing strands (for example, a fingering wool + lace mohair, or a light fingering + cashmere lace).
That being said, there's something very cozy about a chunk cardigan, especially if you plan to use it instead of a coat or jacket. That's why I've included one here. Super bulky is also fun if that's your thing, but it's not what I would call a wardrobe staple.
How much ease should I choose?
It depends on the silhouette. For classic cardigans, I like 2–4″ of ease. Oversized or drop-shoulder styles need 6–10″ or more. Check the schematic for key measurements—not just the bust—and think about your personal style preferences and how you’ll layer it over shells or dresses. Want more specific guidance, check out my blog posts on choosing a size here
Do I need a mohair strand?
Not at all—it’s a styling choice. Mohair adds halo and lightness and can be used to get more drape or bump a yarn up a gauge. If you prefer a cleaner look, use a smooth DK or hold a cashmere lace for the same effects without the fuzz.
Build your Autumn Edit capsule
First the shell, now the cardigan—together they’re the backbone of your fall capsule. Next week we’ll turn to pullovers and preview Rowan’s brand-new Autumn/Winter 2025 collection (including a sneak peek at the Amore Pullover).
Prefer a wrap? See our Churchmouse Quadrangle Wrap Kit
2 Responses
Ida Moore
September 23, 2025
I agree with Lori. Joy and Whitney’s choices were on point for fit and personality. I like that Nourish Jacket too. I think that would be a good choice for warmer climates, I can see it cropped just below the waist. Thanks Ellen.