Lana Grossa 10 Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Allora Design 10 Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Lana Grossa Allora Design 10 is a classic knitted cardigan available in three sizes: 36/38, 40/42, and 44/46. This seamed, bottom-up construction cardigan features a structured design with set-in sleeves, front button bands, and functional patch pockets integrated into the body of the garment. The cardigan is designed to be worked flat on straight needles before pieces are seamed together, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a timeless, tailored garment.

Techniques Used

Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the cast-on edge upward, beginning with the body and sleeves worked separately before assembly.

Seamed construction: Individual pieces—front panels, back, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then seamed together using mattress stitch or similar techniques, creating clean, professional seams.

Worked flat: All pieces are worked on straight needles in rows rather than in the round, allowing for easier shaping and pattern work across the front and back panels.

Full-fashion decreasing: Shaping at armholes and neckline uses full-fashion decreases (selvage stitch, skp at the beginning of right-side rows; k2tog before the final selvage stitch at row ends), creating decorative, aligned decrease lines that frame the garment edges.

Pocket integration: Patch pockets are worked by placing stitches on hold, working a separate pocket lining in stockinette stitch, then rejoining the lining stitches to the main body for a seamless pocket opening.

Stitches Used

Ribbing (Rib pattern): A 2x2 rib (p2, k2) forms the cuffs at the sleeve edges and likely the front bands and lower body edge, providing elasticity and a classic finish.

Stockinette stitch (St st): Knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows, stockinette stitch forms the main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves, creating a smooth, refined surface.

Main pattern stitch: A charted stitch pattern with a multiple of 4 stitches is repeated across rows 1–8. On right-side rows, the pattern is worked as indicated on the chart; on wrong-side rows, all stitches are purled. This creates textured interest while maintaining the cardigan's classic silhouette.

Selvage stitches: Edge stitches (purled on wrong-side rows, knitted on right-side rows) frame each piece, facilitating neat seaming and providing finished edges.

Materials

The Allora Design 10 Cardigan is knitted in Lana Grossa Allora, a premium yarn blend composed of 76% cotton, 14% superfine Merino wool, and 10% baby alpaca. This fiber combination provides breathability and comfort from the cotton base while the Merino wool and baby alpaca add softness, elasticity, and a subtle sheen. The yarn is worked at approximately 300 meters per 50-gram ball.

Yardage requirements: 400 grams (approximately 2,400 meters) for size 36/38; 450 grams (approximately 2,700 meters) for size 40/42; and 500 grams (approximately 3,000 meters) for size 44/46. The sample shown is knitted in Pearl White (color 13).

Needles and tools: Size 3 mm and 3.5 mm straight needles are used for the main knitting. A size 3.5 mm circular needle, 120 cm long, is required for working the front bands or any sections that may benefit from additional stitch capacity. A size 3 mm crochet hook is included for finishing details such as edging or securing yarn ends.