Montevideo, a free knitting pattern from Knitty.com.

INTRODUCTION

Montevideo

beauty shot

by Isabel Nascimento

Tangy

Montevideo is a textured, elegant cardigan inspired by the architectural rhythm of old Montevideo and the softness of Uruguayan merino. Worked top-down with refined details—applied hem, overlapped cuffs, double-knit collar—this cardigan balances simplicity and craftsmanship. The slightly oversized fit with dropped shoulders creates a comfortable layering piece.

spacer model + photos: Isabel Nascimento

SIZE

Women's XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
shown in size XS with approx 3 inches/8 cm positive ease at bust

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

All measurements taken after blocking.

Chest/bust: 36.5[38.25, 41.25, 47.25, 48.75, 53, 56.25, 62.25, 63.75] inches / 92.5[97, 105, 120, 124, 134.5, 143, 158, 162] cm
Length: 18.25[19, 19.75, 20.25, 21, 22.25, 23, 23.5, 24] inches / 46.5[48.5, 50, 51.5, 53.5, 56.5, 58.5, 60, 61] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Uy Yarn Merino DK — [100% merino wool; 208 yd/190 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein] Color: 002 Óxido medio, 4[5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10] skeins 

Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown was worked in a 100% merino single-ply DK-weight yarn. If substituting another yarn, look for a single-ply yarn with good elasticity that works up at DK gauge to have a similar result.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 set US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needle, 32–40 inches / 80–100 cm long
1 set US 8 / 5 mm circular needle, 32–40 inches / 80–100 cm long
1 set US 9 / 5.5 mm circular needle, 32–40 inches / 80–100 cm long
1 US 7 / 4.5 mm crochet hook

Notions
stitch markers
yarn needle
stitch holder
5[5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6] buttons, approx 0.5-0.75 inch / 15–18 mm

GAUGE

19 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in St st on middle-sized needle
19 sts × 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in textured stitch pattern on middle-sized needle

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Construction method
Cardigan is worked from the top down. Shoulders are knit separately, then fronts and back are joined at the armholes. Hem is knit separately and joined. Sleeves are picked up and shaped with short rows, then knit in the round. Collar is double-knit and attached. Front edges are picked up and folded inward.

Textured Stitch Pattern (multiple of 2 + 1)
Row 1 [RS]: *P1, k1; repeat from * to last stitch, k1. 
Row 2 [WS]: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat Rows 1-2 for pattern.

Techniques:

Italian cast on
set-in sleeve short row

DIRECTIONS

RIGHT FRONT
With middle-sized needle, cast on 23[25, 27, 31, 33, 35, 39, 43, 45] sts.
Row 1 [RS]: Knit.
Row 2 [WS]: Purl.
Row 3: *P1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 4: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat Rows 1–4 once more.

Right neck shaping:
Row 9 [RS]: Knit; cast on 1 st. 24[26, 28, 32, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46] sts.
Row 10 [WS]: Purl.
Row 11: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end of row, cast on 1 st. 25[27, 29, 33, 35, 37, 41, 45, 47] sts.
Row 12: Work sts as they appear.
Row 13: Knit to end of row, cast on 2 sts. 27[29, 31, 35, 37, 39, 43, 47, 49] sts.
Row 14: Purl.
Row 15: *P1, k1; repeat from * to last st, p1, cast on 2 sts. 29[31, 33, 37, 39, 41, 45, 49, 51] sts.
Row 16: Work sts as they appear.
Row 17: Knit; cast on 4 sts. 33[35, 37, 41, 43, 45, 49, 53, 55] sts.
Row 18: Purl.
Row 19: *P1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 20: Work sts as they appear.
Row 21: Knit.
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: *P1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 24: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat Rows 21–24 until piece measures 4[4.25, 4, 3.5, 4, 3.5, 4, 3.5, 4] inches / 10[11, 10, 9, 10, 9, 10, 9, 10] cm from cast-on edge, ending with Row 24.

Armhole Increases:
Note: Take care to incorporate the increases correctly into the textured stitch pattern.
Increase row 1 [RS]: K1, M1R, knit to end. 1 st increased.
 Next row [WS]: Purl.
Increase row 2: K1, M1R, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end of row. 1 st increased 
Next row: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat these 4 rows 4[4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8] times more. 43[45, 49, 55, 57, 61, 65, 71, 73] sts.
Cut yarn.

LEFT FRONT
With middle-sized needle, cast on 23[25, 27, 31, 33, 35, 39, 43, 45] sts.
Row 1 [RS]: Knit.
Row 2 [WS]: Purl.
Row 3: *P1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 4: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat Rows 1–4 once more.

Left neck shaping:
Row 9 [RS]: Cast on 1 st, knit to end. 24[26, 28, 32, 34, 36, 40, 44, 46] sts.
Row 10 [WS]: Purl.
Row 11: Cast on 1 st, k1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, p1. 25[27, 29, 33, 35, 37, 41, 45, 47] sts.
Row 12: Work sts as they appear.
Row 13: Cast on 2 sts, knit. 27[29, 31, 35, 37, 39, 43, 47, 49] sts.
Row 14: Purl.
Row 15: Cast on 2 sts, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1. 29[31, 33, 37, 39, 41, 45, 49, 51] sts.
Row 16: Work sts as they appear.
Row 17: Cast on 4 sts, knit. 33[35, 37, 41, 43, 45, 49, 53, 55] sts.
Row 18: Purl.
Row 19: K2, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 20: Work sts as they appear.
Row 21: Knit.
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: K2, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 24: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat Rows 21–24 until piece measures 4[4.25, 4, 3.5, 4, 3.5, 4, 3.5, 4] inches / 10[11, 10, 9, 10, 9, 10, 9, 10] cm from cast-on edge, ending with Row 24.

Armhole Increases:
Note: Take care to incorporate the increases correctly into the textured stitch pattern.
Increase row 1 [RS]: Knit to 1 st before end, M1L, k1.
Next row [WS]: Purl.
Increase row 2: K2, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, M1L, k1.
Next row: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat these 4 rows 4[4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8] times more. 43[45, 49, 55, 57, 61, 65, 71, 73] sts. Do not cut yarn.

Back
Note: Take care to align the textured stitch correctly with the fronts.
Row 1 [RS]: Pick up and knit 23[25, 27, 31, 33, 35, 39, 43, 45] sts from Right Shoulder cast-on, cast on 19 sts, pick up and knit 23[25, 27, 31, 33, 35, 39, 43, 45] sts from Left Shoulder cast-on. 65[69, 73, 81, 85, 89, 97, 105, 109] sts.
Row 2 [WS]: Purl.
 Row 3: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end of row. 
Row 4: Work sts as they appear.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 8: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat the last 4 rows until the Back measures 4[4.25, 4, 3.5, 4, 3.5, 4, 3.5, 4] inches / 10[11, 10, 9, 10, 9, 10, 9, 10] cm to armhole increases, ending with Row 8. 

Armhole increases:
Next row [RS]: K1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1. 2 sts increased.
Next row [WS]: Purl.
Next row: K1, M1R, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, M1L, k1. 2 sts increased.
Next row: Work sts as they appear.
Repeat these 4 rows 4[4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8] times more. 85[89, 97, 109, 113, 121, 129, 141, 145] .
Cut yarn.

Join fronts and back:
Place all sts on one long needle, and work with yarn from Left Front:
Next row [RS]: Knit across Left Front sts, cast on 1[1, 1, 3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 7] st(s), knit across Back sts, cast on 1[1, 1, 3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 7] st(s), knit to the end of Right Front sts. 173[181, 197, 225, 233, 253, 269, 297, 305] sts. 
Next row [WS]: Purl.
Next row: K2, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Next row: Work sts as they appear.
Work in pattern until piece measures 8.75[9, 9.5, 9.75, 10.25, 10.75, 11, 11.5, 11.75] inches / 22[23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30] cm from armhole.
Next row [RS]: Knit all sts. Place on holder.

HEM (worked separately):
With middle-sized needle, cast on 128[140, 152, 164, 180, 196, 212, 228, 248] sts.
Next row [RS]: K3, *p2, k2; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p2, k3.
Next row [WS]: Work sts as they appear.
Work until hem measures 1.5 inches / 4 cm.

Continue to work in St st and at the same time work increases for your size as follows on the next row:
Size XS[-, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] : K1, (M1, k3) 19 times, (M1, k2) 6 times, (M1, k3) 19 times, M1, k1. 45 sts increased.

Size -[S. -, -, -, -, -, -, -, ] : K2, (M1, k3) 16 times, (M1, k4) 10 times, (M1, k3) 16 times, M1, k2. 43 sts increased.

Size -[-, M, -l, -, -, -, -, -] : K2, (M1, k3) 14 times, (M1, k4) 16 times, (M1, k3) 14 times, M1, k2. 45 sts increased.

Size -[-, -, L, -, -, -, -, -] : K1, (M1, k3) 23 times, (M1, k2) 12 times, (M1, k3) 23 times, M1, k1. 59 sts increased.

Size -[-, -, -, 1X, -, -, -, -] : K2, (M1, k3) 16 times, (M1, k4) 20 times, (M1, k3) 16 times, M1, k2. 53 sts increased.

Size -[-, -, -, -, 2X, -, -, -] : K2, (M1, k3) 12 times, (M1, k4) 30 times, (M1, k3) 12 times, M1, k2. 55 sts increased.

Size -[-, -, -, -, -, 3X, -, -] : K2, (M1, k3) 8 times, (M1, k4) 40 times, (M1, k3) 8 times, M1, k2. 57 sts increased.

Size -[-, -, -, -, -, -, 4X, -] : K2, (M1, k3) 20 times, (M1, k4) 26 times, (M1, k3) 20 times, M1, k2. 67 sts increased.

Size -[-, -, -, -, -, -, -, 5X] : K2, (M1, k5) 10 times, (M1, k4) 36 times, (M1, k5) 10 times, M1, k2. 57 sts increased.

173[183, 197, 223, 233, 251, 269, 295, 305] sts.
Work in St st for 0.75 inches / 2 cm, ending with a RS row.

Joining row [WS]: With WS of hem and body facing you, join using purl bind-off: purl 1 hem st with 1 body st across.
Resume textured stitch on body sts for 0.5 inches / 1.5 cm. Bind off on RS.

SLEEVES (work 2)
With medium-sized needles and beginning in the center of the cast on sts, pick up 30[32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 43, 45, 47] sts along the front of the armhole and 30[32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 43, 45, 47] sts along the back of the armhole (approximately 1 stitch every 2 rows). 60[64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 86, 90, 94] sts.

Place a marker at the beginning of the round (BOR marker) and then place additional markers as shown in the diagram below

Short row 1: Work to Marker 3, wrap and turn, work to Marker 2, wrap and turn.
Short row 2: Work to the wrapped stitch, knit this stitch as 1 st, wrap the next stitch and turn, work to wrapped st, purl together as 1 st, wrap the next sts and turn.
Continue in this manner until all stitches to the BOR marker have been wrapped.
Once all armhole stitches have been worked, switch to working in the round.
Work in St st until the sleeve measures 1[1.25, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5] inches / 2.5[3, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 4, 4, 4] cm from the underarm.

Begin sleeve decreases: 
Decrease rnd: K1, k2tog, knit to 3 stitches before marker, ssk, k1. 2 sts decreased.
Work 6 rnds in St st.
Repeat the last 7 rnds 7[7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8] times more. 44[48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76] sts.

Work in St st until the sleeve measures 9.75[10.25, 10.75, 10.75, 11, 11.25, 11.5, 11.75, 12] inches / 25[26, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29.5, 30, 30.5] cm or 3.25 inches / 8 cm less than final desired length. Place on holder.

CUFF (worked separately)
With the smallest needles, cast on 28[32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60] sts and join to work in the rnd.
Work in k2, p2 rib for 2.25 inches / 6 cm.

On the next rnd, work increases for your size as follows:
Size XS[-, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] : K1, (M1, k1) 2 times, (M1, k2) 11 times, (M1, k1) 2 times, M1, k1.

Size –[S. -, -, -, -, -, -, -, ] : K1, (M1, k2) 15 times, M1, k1.

Size –[-, M, -, -, -, -, -, -] : K1, (M1, k3) 2 times, (M1, k2) 11 times, (M1, k3) 2 times, M1, k1.

Size –[-, -, L, -, -, -, -, -] : K1, (M1, k3) 4 times, (M1, k2) 7 times, (M1, k3) 4 times, M1, k1.

Size –[-, -, -, 1X, -, -, -, -] : K1, (M1, k3) 6 times, (M1, k2) 3 times, (M1, k3) 6 times, M1, k1.

Size –[-, -, -, -, 2X, -, -, -] : K1, (M1, k3) 15 times, M1, k2.

Size –[-, -, -, -, -, 3X, -, -] : K2, (M1, k3) 6 times, (M1, k4) 3 times, (M1, k3) 6 times, M1, k2.

Size –[-, -, -, -, -, -, 4X, -] : K2, (M1, k3) 4 times, (M1, k4) 7 times, (M1, k3) 4 times, M1, k2.

Size –[-, -, -, -, -, -, -, 5X] : K2, (M1, k3) 2 times, (M1, k4) 11 times, (M1, k3) 2 times, M1, k2.

16 sts increased, 44[48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76] sts.
Work in St st until cuff measures 3.25 inches / 8 cm from the cast on edge.
Join cuff to sleeve by knitting one cuff st with one sleeve st, both held with RS of sleeve facing.
Work sleeve in St st until it overlaps cuff by 1.25 inches / 3 cm. Bind off.

Collar
With largest needles and RS facing and beginning at the last row of the neck shaping, pick up 16 sts along Right Front neck, 20 sts across Back, 16 sts along Left Front. 52 sts. Place on hold.
With smallest needles, cast on 104 sts using Italian cast-on.
Pattern row [RS/WS]: *K1, sl1 purlwise wyif; repeat from * to end of row.
Work until collar measures 1.75 inches / 4.5 cm, ending with a WS row.
Next row [RS]: K2tog across. 52 sts.
With RS together, join live collar sts to picked-up sts using a three needle bind off.

False pocket flap
With smallest needle, cast on 36 sts using an Italian cast-on.
Work as follows:
Pattern row [RS/WS]: *K1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to end. Repeat this row until the flap measures 1.25 inches / 3 cm.
Next row: K2tog to end of row. 18 sts remain.
Using a tapestry needle, sew the flap to the right front of the cardigan, 1.5 inches / 3.5 cm from the front edge and approx 5.5 inches / 14 cm below the shoulder. Sew a button at the center of the flap.

Right Front button band (buttonholes)
With medium-sized needle, RS facing and starting at the hem, pick up and knit 73[77, 81, 85, 87, 89, 91, 94, 99] sts along the right front edge of the cardigan (approx. 3 sts for every 4 rows). Do not pick up sts along the collar.
Work as follows:
Row 1 [WS]: Purl.
Row 2 [RS]: Knit.
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: K 4[4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5, 4, 4] , yo, *k2tog, k 14[15, 16, 17, 17, 18, 18, 15, 16] , yo; repeat from * 3[3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4] more times to last 5[5, 5, 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 5] sts, k2tog, k 3[3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 3] .
Row 5: Purl.
Row 6: Knit.
Row 7: Purl.
Row 8: Repeat Row 4.
Row 9: Repeat Row 5.
Row 10: Knit.
Row 11: Purl.
The button band should measure approx. 1.25 inches / 3 cm. Fold the band to the inside and, secure with pins to the cast on row. With a crochet hook work a single crochet seam to join each stitch to a stitch from the cast-on row.

Left Front button band
With medium-sized needle, with the RS facing and starting at the collar, pick up and knit 73[77, 79, 83, 85, 87, 89, 94 98, ] sts along the left front edge of the cardigan (approx. 3 sts for every 4 rows). Do not pick up sts along the collar.

Work as follows:
 Row 1 [WS]: Purl.
Row 2 [RS]: Knit. Work until the button band measures approx. 1.25 inches / 3 cm. Fold the band to the inside and join each stitch to the cast-on row as done for the right front buttonband.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block to measurements. Sew on the buttons.

A – Bust/chest circumference: 36.5[38.25, 41.25, 47.25, 48.75, 53, 56.25, 62.25, 63.75] inches / 92.5[97, 105, 120, 124, 134.5, 143, 158, 162] cm
B – Length (shoulder to hem, including applied hem): 18.25[19, 19.75, 20.25, 21, 22.25, 23, 23.5, 24] inches / 46.5[48.5, 50, 51.5, 53.5, 56.5, 58.5, 60, 61] cm
C – Cross back width: 13.5[14.25, 15.25, 16.75, 17.25, 18.5, 20, 20.75, 22.75] inches / 34[36.5, 38.5, 42.5, 44, 47, 51, 52.5, 57.5] cm
D – Sleeve length: 18[18.5, 19, 19.25, 19.75, 20, 20.5, 20.75, 21.25] inches / 46[47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54] cm
E – Upper arm circumference: 12.5[13.25, 14.25, 15, 15.75, 16.50, 18, 18.75, 19.5] inches / 31.5[33.5, 36, 38, 40, 42, 45.5, 47.5, 49.5] cm
F – Cuff depth: 2.5 inches / 6 cm
G – Armhole depth: 7.25[7.75, 7.75, 8, 8.5, 8.75, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75] inches / 18.5[19.5, 20, 20.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24, 25] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

designername Isabel Nascimento is a knitwear designer and engineer. She divides her time between yoga and creating timeless handknit designs.

Find more of her work on Ravelry.