Classic Elite Yarns Caterina Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Caterina Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Caterina is a trapeze-shaped vest designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Calista 1602, a printed collection of designs from Classic Elite Yarns. This garment features a flattering silhouette that widens toward the hem, creating an elegant A-line profile. The design is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with the pattern shown in size S.

Construction Techniques

The Caterina employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on needles rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and control throughout the project. The lower body is worked in one continuous piece to the underarms, then the upper fronts and back are separated and worked independently to the shoulders. This seamless approach to the lower body eliminates the need for seaming in that section, while the structured separation at the underarms allows for tailored armhole and shoulder shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Caterina features two primary stitches:

• 2 x 2 Rib: Used for the ribbed edging at the lower body, this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a repeating pattern of four stitches. The ribbing is worked for four rows, creating approximately ½ inch of elastic edging that helps the garment sit neatly against the body.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the vest is worked in Stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric characteristic of refined knitwear. This stitch provides an excellent canvas for displaying yarn texture and color.

Shaping and Decreases

The trapeze shape is achieved through strategic decreases worked at marked intervals throughout the body. The pattern employs a systematic decrease row that reduces eight stitches per decrease round—one stitch from each front, two stitches from each side insert, and two stitches from the back. These decreases are repeated 57 to 63 times depending on size, creating the gradual narrowing that defines the vest's silhouette. The decreases are executed using standard decrease techniques including ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together), which are worked symmetrically on either side of stitch markers to maintain balanced shaping.

Materials and Tools

The pattern requires a longer circular needle for working the lower body flat, allowing the crafter to manage the large cast-on of 688 to 752 stitches depending on size. While specific yarn weight and yardage are not detailed in the provided excerpt, Classic Elite Yarns patterns typically utilize premium-quality yarns suited to the refined aesthetic of the design. Stitch markers are essential for tracking the five sections of the body (right front, right side insert, back, left side insert, and left front), and holders or waste yarn are needed to hold stitches during the transition from the unified lower body to the separated upper sections.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated for intermediate knitters, indicating that crafters should be comfortable with fundamental knitting techniques, stitch marker management, decreasing methods, and the ability to follow complex shaping instructions across multiple sizes.