Emelio Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Emelio Cardigan in Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling Yarn

What is Being Made

The Emelio Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater designed for intermediate-level knitters. This garment is available in four sizes: Small (finished bust 39 inches), Medium (43 inches), Large (47 inches), and 1X (51 inches). The finished length ranges from 26 inches in the smallest size to 27.5 inches in the largest size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction utilizes strategic increases and decreases to shape the garment. The M1 (make 1) increase technique is used to add stitches by lifting the horizontal strand between needles and placing it on the left needle, then knitting through the back loop. The ssk (slip, slip, knit) decrease method is employed to reduce stitches by slipping two stitches individually to the right needle, then inserting the left needle through their fronts and knitting them together. These shaping techniques allow the cardigan to achieve proper fit and drape across the bust and body.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in the Emelio Cardigan is the Sailor Rib, which creates vertical texture and elasticity throughout the garment. The pattern also incorporates K1, p1 Rib (knit one, purl one rib), which is worked differently depending on whether it is worked over an even or odd number of stitches. For even-stitch ribbing, the pattern alternates knit and purl stitches across each row, then continues by knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches in subsequent rows. For odd-stitch ribbing, the first row begins with a knit stitch followed by alternating purl and knit stitches. Both rib variations provide structure, stretch, and a polished finish to the cardigan.

Materials and Tools

The Emelio Cardigan is designed to be worked in Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling yarn (Article #202) in the colorway Cedarwood. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 6 balls, Medium requires 7 balls, Large requires 8 balls, and 1X requires 9 balls of yarn. The pattern specifies Lion Brand knitting needles in size 7 (4.5 mm) for working the fabric. Additional supplies include Lion Brand stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points, and a Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Gauge and Fit

The recommended gauge for this project is 22 stitches and 24 rows equal approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the Sailor Rib pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended dimensions and fits properly. Gauge swatches allow knitters to verify that their tension and needle size will produce the correct fabric density and finished measurements.