Grading a used cardigan
Grading a used cardigan blends knitwear checks with a button placket. The grade leads with pilling and shape recovery like any knit, then adds the front-specific flaws — placket buttons present and matching, buttonhole stretch, and a placket that hangs straight rather than gaping or drooping from wear.
What to check
- Placket buttons present, matching, and secure
- Buttonhole stretch and a straight-hanging front
- Pilling at underarms, cuffs, and sides
- Ribbing recovery at cuffs, hem, and front band
How to grade it, step by step
- 1
Work the placket
Button the cardigan and check that the front hangs straight, buttons match, and buttonholes aren't stretched open — the flaws unique to a cardigan.
- 2
Grade the knit
Scan for pilling at the underarms and cuffs and note whether it lifts off or has matted in.
- 3
Test the ribbing
Stretch and release the cuffs, hem, and front band; a stretched, drooping band lowers the grade.
Graded examples
| Grade | Why |
|---|---|
| 9 (NWOT) | Straight placket, all buttons matching, no pilling. |
| 6 (Good) | Light cuff pilling, buttons intact, band holds. |
| 3 (Poor) | Two missing buttons and stretched, gaping buttonholes. |
Every grade sits on the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale.
Flaws to watch on this garment
Frequently asked
- Do mismatched replacement buttons lower a cardigan's grade?
- Yes, modestly. Replacement buttons that don't match the originals are visible and read as a repair, so they nudge the grade down even when they're secure. A full set of original, matching buttons is part of a high-grade cardigan; odd or plastic swaps on a wool piece are a clear flaw.
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