Classic Elite Yarns Anthea Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Anthea Knit Cardigan

What is Being Made

Anthea is a seamless, top-down knit cardigan designed as an easy-to-knit layering piece. This garment features a distinctive bell shape created through strategic needle size changes. The cardigan is worked in the round from the neck edge downward, with finished measurements of approximately 32½ (37, 41½) inches at the neck edge and 40 (45½, 51) inches at the lower edge, measuring 12½ inches in length when lightly steam blocked. The design is available in three sizes: XS, S/M, and L/XL.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several key techniques that make it accessible for knitters of various experience levels. The cardigan is worked seamlessly in the round using circular knitting needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern incorporates jogless jogs at the start of Rnd 2 and Rnd 5 of the stitch pattern to create clean vertical lines where colors transition. An armhole opening is created using a bind-off and cast-on method on consecutive rounds. The bell-shaped silhouette is achieved by changing needle sizes at specific points: the pattern begins on the smallest needle, transitions to a middle-size needle after the armhole opening, and finishes on the largest needle. The garment uses the backward loop cast-on method for the armhole reconstruction. Finishing includes weaving in ends and light steam blocking to measurements while being careful not to flatten the textured ridges.

Stitches Used

The Anthea cardigan features a straightforward Ridge Pattern that repeats over seven rounds. The pattern consists of two contrasting textured sections: Rounds 1–3 are worked in purl stitches to create a smooth ridge, while Rounds 4–7 are worked in knit stitches to produce a textured ridge. This alternating pattern creates visual interest and dimension throughout the garment. The ridge pattern works over any number of stitches, making it highly adaptable. Basic knitting fundamentals including knit, purl, bind-off, and cast-on stitches form the foundation of this easy-level project.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Mika by Classic Elite Yarns, a yarn composed of 100% organic cotton with a yardage of 165 yards per 50-gram hank. The unique construction method requires four strands of yarn held together throughout, combining one strand each of four coordinating colors. The color palette includes:

• A – Citrine (2, 2, or 3 hanks depending on size)
• B – Antique Glass (2, 2, or 3 hanks depending on size)
• C – Washed Gray (2, 2, or 3 hanks depending on size)
• D – Kelp (2, 2, or 3 hanks depending on size)

The pattern requires circular knitting needles in three sizes (24" or 32" length), specified as smallest, middle, and largest gauges. The multi-strand construction creates a unique visual effect while the organic cotton fiber provides breathability and comfort, making this an ideal warm-weather layering piece.

Design Origin

Anthea was originally published in Mika 1702B, a printed collection of designs by Classic Elite Yarns. The pattern was designed by Tonia Barry and represents an outstanding example of the brand's commitment to brilliant design paired with exceptional yarns.