Columbia Cardigan

About This Pattern

This cozy cardigan was inspired by a design that was first published in 1916 by Columbia Yarns and featured their original US-made yarns. The Ladies’ Knitted Sweater is attributed to Anna Schumacker, Columbia’s primary designer and catalog editor from roughly 1907 to 1915, and it was released during a time of great global and domestic upheaval. As debates around women’s suffrage were ongoing in the United States and tensions in Europe escalated into war, designs like this layering piece (with pockets!) encompassed a new vision of practicality and functionality for women who were about to step into new roles and responsibilities.

Knitted today in Kelbourne Woolens Germantown worsted weight, this modern version honors the tradition of American textile history, connecting the past to the present. Germantown is a revival of the very yarn produced by William H. Horstmann and Co., the manufacturers of Columbia Yarns in Philadelphia over a century ago. The cardigan features brioche rib throughout, a wide shawl collar, sturdy cuffs, and two practical patch pockets—hallmarks of both utility and timeless style. Whether worn at home, on the farm, or layered for warmth in the city, this sweater remains as relevant and wearable today as it was in 1916.

Materials

YARN Kelbourne Woolens Germantown (100% North American wool; 220 yd [201 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]; worsted weight): #030 Medium Gray Heather, 7 (8, 8, 9) (9, 10, 11) skeins.

NEEDLES Size 8 (5 mm): 24" (60 cm) and 40" (100 cm) circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Stitch markers (m); removable markers or scrap yarn; six 1" (2.5 cm) buttons; tapestry needle.

GAUGE 14 sts and 38 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Brioche Rib.

FINISHED SIZE 39¾ (44, 47¼, 50½) (56¼, 60½, 64¾)" (101 [112, 120, 128.5] [143, 153.5, 164.5] cm) chest circumference, buttoned with 1½" (3.8 cm) front bands overlapped. Sample shown is size 44", modeled with 8" of positive ease.

Resources

• Visit farmfiberknits.com/abbreviations for terms you don’t know.

• Puzzled which size to choose for a sweater that’s just right—not too loose, not too tight? Learn what designers have to say about fit, comfort, and how to make a sweater that fits in “Understanding Ease and Why It Matters for Knitting Patterns”.

• Learn how the brioche stitch became knitting’s next big thing, and get expert tips for getting started.

About Courtney Kelley: Courtney Kelley is the co-founder and co-owner of Kelbourne Woolens, a yarn company based in Philadelphia dedicated to producing high-quality, traditional yarns for handknitters. With a background in textile design and an appreciation for knitting history, Courtney brings a thoughtful blend of technical expertise and vintage inspiration to her work.

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