Classic Elite Yarns Avera Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Avera: Versatile Knit Wrap, Scarf, and Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Avera is a multifunctional knitted accessory designed by Cathy Payson that seamlessly transitions between three distinct styling options: a generous wrap, an elegant scarf, or a shrug and cowl combination. This versatile piece measures approximately 13¼ inches wide in the center and 78 inches long from cuff to cuff, making it substantial enough to drape beautifully in multiple configurations. The finished dimensions and construction method allow crafters to customize how they wear and style this single garment.

Techniques Used

The Avera employs flat knitting construction, meaning all pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The garment is seamed during finishing, with 8-inch cuff seams sewn at each side to create the final shape. This approach combines ribbed cuff sections with a central patterned section, requiring careful blocking and finishing to maintain the distinct textures of each component. The pattern uses slip stitch techniques to create visual interest while maintaining an accessible skill level.

Stitches Used

Two primary stitch patterns structure this design:

• Simple Slip Stitch Pattern: A repeating motif worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3. Row 1 (right side) alternates knit stitches with slipped stitches worked purlwise with yarn in back, creating a subtle textured appearance. Row 2 (wrong side) is worked entirely in purl. This pattern is repeated throughout the central 72-inch length of the piece and produces a gauge of 22 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches using the larger needles.
• 1 x 1 Ribbing: A classic alternating knit and purl rib worked over an odd number of stitches. This stitch creates the 6-inch cuffs at each end of the wrap, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. The ribbed sections frame the slip stitch pattern section and are worked on smaller needles to create a tighter gauge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Arietta by Classic Elite Yarns, a premium blend composed of 80% extrafine merino and 20% yak fiber. This luxurious yarn composition provides softness, breathability, and subtle sheen characteristic of merino, enhanced by the warmth and durability of yak fiber. The yarn is available in color 4957 Sky. Approximately 7 balls are required, with each ball containing 50 grams and yielding approximately 130 yards, totaling roughly 910 yards of yarn for the complete project.

Two sizes of knitting needles are used to achieve proper gauge and structure: US size 6 (4 mm) needles for the ribbed cuff sections and US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for the main slip stitch pattern section. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to match the specified gauge of 22 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches in the slip stitch pattern using the larger needles.

Construction Overview

The Avera begins with casting on 69 stitches on smaller needles and working a 6-inch 1 x 1 ribbed cuff. Four stitches are increased evenly across the final row of ribbing, bringing the stitch count to 73. The work then transitions to larger needles, and the Simple Slip Stitch pattern is introduced with edge stitches maintained on both sides. The central patterned section continues for 72 inches from the cast-on edge. After completing the pattern section, four stitches are decreased evenly, returning the stitch count to 69, and the second 6-inch ribbed cuff is worked on smaller needles before binding off all stitches in ribbing.

Finishing and Blocking

Finishing is essential to achieving the intended appearance. The piece is blocked to 13¼ inches wide in the patterned section and 78 inches long overall, with special care taken not to flatten the ribbed cuffs. The 8-inch seams at each side are sewn, combining the 6-inch ribbed cuff with 2 inches of the patterned section on each end. All yarn ends are woven in to complete the garment.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated Easy, making it accessible to knitters with basic skills. The straightforward stitch patterns, simple shaping, and flat construction require only fundamental knitting knowledge, though attention to