Classic Elite Yarns Malli Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Malli Cardigan by Classic Elite Yarns

What is Being Made

Malli is a relaxed, open-front cardigan designed by Tonia Barry and originally published in Rising Tide 1704. This intermediate-level knitting project features a versatile design that can be worn with fronts open and relaxed or closed with a pin or belt for different styling options. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 30½ inches to 50 inches and lengths from 19¾ inches to 25 inches.

Techniques Used

Malli is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, beginning with cast-on stitches at the lower edge of the back and front pieces
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles or circular needles in flat rows, rather than in the round
• Seamed assembly: The individual pieces (back, left front, and right front) are seamed together to create the finished garment
• Stripe patterning: The design incorporates color changes throughout, with non-working yarn carried up the side edges to maintain continuity in the stripe pattern
• Shaping techniques: Strategic increases and decreases are used to shape the armholes and shoulders, including bind-off decreases at the beginning of rows and paired decreases (k2tog and ssk) worked on right-side rows

Stitches Used

The Malli cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches combined to create texture and structure:

• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for the lower edge ribbing, which measures ½ inch and provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the hem
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Stripe pattern: Created by changing yarn colors at specified intervals while maintaining stockinette stitch, with color changes coordinated between the back and front pieces
• Decorative front edge stitches: The left front features special stitch work at the center front edge, including slip stitches and twisted knit stitches (k1-tbl) to create a refined finished edge

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Malli cardigan is designed to showcase two complementary yarns from Classic Elite Yarns, allowing for creative color combinations:

• Calista by Classic Elite Yarns: 100% mercerized cotton; 50 grams equals 142 yards. This yarn provides a crisp, smooth finish ideal for the striped sections
• Cerro by Classic Elite Yarns: 85% pima cotton, 15% alpaca blend; offers a softer hand and subtle texture compared to Calista. The alpaca content adds warmth and drape to the finished garment
• Color combinations: The pattern recommends combining Calista with either Canyon or Cerro colorways for endless color possibilities, allowing knitters to customize their cardigan
• Needles: While specific needle size is not detailed in the provided content, the gauge and stitch counts indicate appropriately sized needles for the chosen yarn weight

Design Features and Styling

The Malli cardigan is distinguished by its relaxed fit and versatile styling options. The mix of striped and solid color sections creates visual interest and allows for creative yarn selection. The open-front design can be worn casually with the fronts relaxed and open, or dressed up by closing the fronts with a decorative pin or coordinating belt. This flexibility makes Malli suitable for various occasions and personal style preferences. The intermediate skill level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with basic shaping techniques, color changes, and seaming before beginning this project.