Filatura Di Crosa Raphael Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Filatura Di Crosa Raphael Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Raphael Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a finished bust measurement of 34½ to 54 inches and a length of 16 to 19½ inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat approach. The garment pieces are knitted individually in a flat panel construction rather than in the round, then assembled together using seaming techniques. This traditional method allows for precise shaping and easier customization of fit at key points like the armholes and neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Raphael Cardigan employs two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch – The main fabric throughout the body and sleeves, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This produces the classic smooth, V-textured surface characteristic of traditional cardigans.
• Garter Stitch – Used for the sleeve cuffs, created by knitting every row. This creates a textured, ridged border that provides structure and prevents curling at the sleeve edges.

Shaping and Decreases

The pattern incorporates several decrease techniques to achieve proper fit and shaping:

• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) – A right-leaning decrease used for neck shaping and other fitted areas
• Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit) – A left-leaning decrease that provides balanced shaping when paired with K2tog decreases
• Ssp (Slip, Slip, Purl) – The purl-side equivalent of ssk, used on wrong-side rows for consistent shaping

Increases and Sleeve Shaping

The cardigan features strategic increases for sleeve cap shaping using the M1 (Make 1) technique, which creates a new stitch by lifting the strand between needles and working it through the front loop. This invisible increase method is worked at the beginning and end of rows on the sleeves at varying intervals depending on size, creating a gradual expansion from the cuff to the armhole.

Materials and Tools

The Raphael Cardigan is knitted with Filatura Di Crosa Solare yarn, a premium blend composed of 77% cotton, 17% viscose, and 6% nylon. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with approximately 103 yards (95 meters) of yardage. Depending on size, the project requires 7 to 10 balls of yarn. The cardigan is worked on size 7 (4.5mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Additional materials include stitch holders for holding stitches during neckline shaping, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

Achieving the correct gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch is essential for proper fit and finished measurements. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, as even small variations can significantly impact the final cardigan dimensions across the bust and length.