Filatura Di Crosa Caravaggio Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Filatura Di Crosa Caravaggio Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Caravaggio Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan designed by Irina Poludnenko, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a sophisticated silhouette with a front overlap, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions. The cardigan includes functional patch pockets and a ribbed collar, combining both style and practicality.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed construction method, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the bottom edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and modifications. The pattern incorporates raglan shaping at the armholes, achieved through strategic bind-offs and decreases that create a smooth, sloped line from the neckline to the underarm. Patch pockets are knitted separately and sewn onto the front pieces, adding both visual interest and functional storage.

Stitches Used

The Caravaggio Cardigan employs two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) forms the main fabric body, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This classic stitch produces a smooth, polished appearance that showcases the yarn's texture and color.
• K1, P1 Ribbing is used for structural elements including the cuff edges, front bands, and collar. This elastic rib provides shape retention and a refined finishing detail.

The pattern also employs K2tog (knit 2 together) decreases to shape the raglan armholes, creating a gradual taper from the bust to the neckline.

Materials and Gauge

The Caravaggio Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Filatura Di Crosa Chantal yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 27% silk, 26% viscose, 24% cotton, and 23% acrylic. This fiber combination creates a fabric with excellent drape, breathability, and subtle sheen. The yarn is available in color #11 sand, a neutral tone that complements various skin tones and wardrobe palettes. Pattern requirements range from 8 to 10 balls (1.75oz/50g per ball; 120 yards/110 meters per ball) depending on size.

Knitting is worked on size 8 (5mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern gauge is 18 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit, as the cardigan's measurements are calculated based on this tension. Additional materials include stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern accommodates six sizes with the following finished bust measurements (including front overlap): Small 42½", Medium 46½", Large 49¾", XL 53½", 2X 56¾", and 3X 60½". The cardigan length ranges from 24¼" in the smallest size to 28¾" in the largest size, providing appropriate proportions for each size range. These measurements ensure a comfortable fit with the intended overlap for a classic cardigan silhouette.