Etna Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Etna Cardigan in Juniper Moon Sabine

What is Being Made

The Etna Cardigan is a fitted knit cardigan designed by Tabetha Hedrick using Juniper Moon Farm's Sabine yarn. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 33½ inches (85 cm) in XS up to 54½ inches (138.5 cm) in 3X. The cardigan features a length that varies by size from 24½ inches (62 cm) to 28¼ inches (72 cm), and is intended to fit with 2½ to 3½ inches (6.5 to 9 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The primary construction method uses the Etna Stitch, a decorative 28-stitch repeat pattern that combines multiple knitting techniques within a single motif. The design incorporates yarn overs to create lace-like openings, knit two together decreases to shape the fabric, cable crosses (specifically a 3/3 left cross) to add dimensional texture, and purl stitches strategically placed to create contrast and structure. The cardigan also features a sloped bind-off technique, which creates a gradual, angled edge typically used for armhole or neckline shaping, resulting in a more professional and refined finish than a standard bind-off. A garter stitch selvedge edge is incorporated on the first and last stitch of every row to facilitate clean, even seaming when the pieces are joined together.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The foundational stitch used for much of the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Etna Stitch: A complex 28-stitch repeat pattern that forms the decorative focal point of the cardigan, combining yarn overs, decreases, cable crosses, and purl accents across a 12-row repeat
• Garter Stitch: Used as selvedge edges (knitting the first and last stitch of every row) to create clean edges suitable for seaming
• Yarn Overs (YO): Used throughout the Etna Stitch to create openings and lace elements
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the fabric and balance yarn overs
• Purl Stitches (p): Incorporated into the Etna Stitch pattern to create textural contrast and definition
• Cable Cross (3/3 LC): A six-stitch cable that appears in row 5 of the Etna Stitch repeat, adding dimensional texture

Materials

The Etna Cardigan requires Juniper Moon Farm Sabine yarn in color #15 Mykonos. The yardage needed varies by size: 5 hanks for XS and S, 6 hanks for M and L, 7 hanks for 1X, 8 hanks for 2X, and 9 hanks for 3X. The pattern calls for US 8 (5mm) straight needles, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. Two different gauges are specified depending on the stitch being worked: 18 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch, while 20 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in the Etna Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and drape of the finished cardigan.