The Shaftesbury Cardigan uses one-row buttonholes to create a slotted openwork design. The buttonhole slots are worked on the upper part of the fronts and back, allowing any garment worn underneath to show through. The placement of the slots forms an interlinked series of openings which are linked by a rib pattern.

Rib is also used for the front bands, with the upper slots forming three buttonholes. The lower part of the fronts and back are worked in a wide rib pattern that extends into the upper slot pattern. The set-in sleeves are also knitted in wide rib with slot-patterned cuffs.