Classic Elite Yarns Polla Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Polla Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Polla is a classic V-neck cardigan designed by Tian Foley, originally published in Mika 1702B collection. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction with a broken rib texture at the edges and shoulders, complemented by stockinette stitch in the main body. The cardigan is designed in five sizes: XS, S, S/M, M, and L, making it accessible for a range of body measurements.

Construction Techniques

The Polla employs a bottom-up, seamless construction method that streamlines the building process and minimizes finishing work. The lower body is worked in one continuous piece to the underarms using circular needles, then divided to work the fronts and back separately up to the shoulders. This approach creates a unified lower section without side seams. After the shoulder seams are joined, the sleeves are worked in the round from the top down, a technique that ensures consistent gauge and eliminates sleeve seams entirely.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Polla incorporates several key stitches to create its distinctive appearance:

• Broken Rib: An alternating pattern worked over an odd number of stitches, created by knitting on right-side rows and alternating knit and purl stitches on wrong-side rows. This textured stitch is used at the front bands and edges, adding visual interest and structure to the cardigan.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch for the main body sections, including the front panels and back, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used for the side seam stitches, which are maintained throughout the piece to create defined vertical lines.
• Garter Stitch: Applied to the front bands (6 stitches on each side), providing a sturdy, non-rolling edge ideal for supporting buttons.

Buttonhole Details

The cardigan features a functional button front with seven buttonholes strategically placed along the right front edge. The buttonholes are worked using a yarn-over and decrease technique (yo, k2tog on right-side rows; ssk, yo on wrong-side rows), creating small, neat openings. Buttonholes are spaced approximately 1¾ inches apart vertically, with the first buttonhole positioned 2½ inches from the cast-on edge. This regular spacing ensures balanced button placement across the front opening.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Polla is designed to be worked with yarn and needles appropriate for the Classic Elite Yarns brand. The pattern specifies the use of circular needles for the seamless construction of the lower body and for working the sleeves in the round. While specific yarn weight and needle size are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, Classic Elite Yarns is known for producing high-quality, outstanding yarns suitable for refined knitwear projects.

Sizing and Finished Dimensions

The pattern accommodates five sizes with stitch counts ranging from 195 stitches for the XS to 243 stitches for the L size. The lower body measures approximately 13 inches from the cast-on edge to the armhole division, with the piece reaching 4 inches before the transition from broken rib to stockinette stitch in the main body sections.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate, the Polla requires competency with fundamental knitting techniques including circular needle work, decreases, yarn-overs, and working in the round. The seamless construction and multiple stitch patterns demand attention to pattern maintenance and shaping instructions, making this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their technical skills.