4 Spring cardigan inspiration from thrift stores -

Here we have 4 cardigans from thrift stores that can bring us some design ideas for Spring. They might not be the most trendy design, but still timeless and practical to wear in different seasons. We will look at the constructions, stitches, and techniques we can borrow to knit our own cardigans by hand knitting, crochet, or machine knitting.

I pick some rather boxy or oversized style because the construction tends to be more simple. The style is also more casual for everyday wear. It is also easier to recreate.

For a spring cardigan, the colors are more pastel or neutral, the sleeves are shorter, and the yarns are lighter weight, usually mixed with cotton or linen. Some people claim natural wool is actually comfortable to wear year-round. Natural wool can regulate the moisture level, so we are not overheated easily. I agree with that too. Use lighter weight wool or wool mix and it will work even in Spring or Summer. What I like to avoid is pure acrylic and polyester. They do not look good after a while and some have a plastic feel. The natural fiber is the best choice.

Check out our post of machine knitting a cardigan with cut and sew technique here.

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Watch the video of the Spring cardigan knitwear design inspiration

Number 1 cardigan

This cardigan looks boxy and a little oversized, but also casual and matches almost everything. The construction is simple. Two front pieces and one back piece with sloped shoulders and neckline. The slope can be done with a simple increase or decrease.

The sleeves are wider near the shoulder and smaller near the wrist. For the oversized style, make sure the sleeves don’t get too tight. It is better to be on the looser side for comfort.

The garter creates interesting stripes. It is easier to hand knit a garter stitch ridge (knit on both front and back sides) than machine knitting. With machine knit, you will need a garter bar to turn the stitches. Or, you can use a garter carriage. Some Brother knitting machines can accept the electronic garter carriage to knit purl stitches. You can do hand manipulation to reform the purl stitch but this will take forever.

The electronic garter carriage is hard to find now. It is also difficult to maintain and find parts because they are not manufactured anymore. They are also very slow and noisy during operation. But if you can get one working, certainly take advantage of it and design something with purl or garter stitches.

This sweater does not have a buttonhole band. It is more of a minimalist style. It is also made of cotton. Another reason I like it as a Spring cardigan.

Number 2 cardigan

This cardigan has mashed front panels and a side-way knitted back. Check out the old post for machine knitting this cardigan here.

Lace is always popular in Spring and Summer. You can find different lace stitches from a knitting dictionary or machine knit with lace punch cards.

Crochet is another way to make those open stitches. No reason you can not mix crochet and knitting. Crocheted cardigans are very trendy now in 2021. Just look at Instagram for the granny square crochet cardigan or sweater.

There are a lot of curves so you can use the cut and sew technique. Basically, you knit the fabric and cut it into the shape you like and sew it on a sewing machine or by hand.

Number 3 cardigan

This cardigan has side-way knitted tops and a gathered bottom panel. The cable stitches can be done by hand easily or on a knitting machine with hand manipulation.

If you have certain cable design in mind but need the detailed chart, you can search a knitting stitch dictionary for step-by-step instruction.

This cardigan has 2 decorative buttons covered with the same yarn. On the inside, they are 2 snaps sewn to the garment. That is an interesting way to create visual interest and avoid knitting buttonholes.

The bottom half of the garment has gatherings or folds in both front and back. This can control the fit. Even if you just knit a rectangle box, you can gather in certain points to make it fit nicely.

The cable panel is one piece in the back.

Number 4 cardigan

The cardigan is similar to the last one, but the cable panel is at the bottom. This is also knitted sideways from one end to the other.

The sleeves are integrated into the main body. Make sure not to make it too tight. A little oversize will be more comfortable for this style.

The top half has the “reversed stockinette” (Purl side) stitches on the right side. It shows a different texture and look.

The button band is knitted with plain stockinette and folded over at the edges. This creates an intentional curve and a casual style alternative to the ribbing.

That is the Spring cardigan design and inspiration from thrift store finds. Mix and match the design and techniques to create your own handmade wardrobe. Handmade is the best!