Lana Grossa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Cardigan in Cool Wool Big

What Is Being Made

This is a classic cardigan designed by Lana Grossa, available in three sizes: 36/40, 42/46, and 48/50. The finished back length measures approximately 58 cm (62 cm, 66 cm) depending on size selection. The cardigan features a sophisticated construction that combines multiple stitch patterns and textures for visual interest and refined styling.

Construction Method and Techniques

The cardigan is worked flat in one piece, beginning with the two fronts knitted together. This top-down approach allows for seamless integration of pattern changes and sizing adjustments. After the initial flat construction, the piece is seamed during finishing to create the final garment structure. The pattern includes directional guidance indicated by arrows on the schematic to ensure proper orientation throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The design incorporates several distinct stitch techniques to create textural variety:

• Slip garter selvage: Applied at each edge on every row by slipping the first stitch knitwise and knitting the last stitch. This creates a neat, finished edge ideal for seaming.
• Stockinette stitch (St st): Knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side, forming the smooth, classic knit fabric base.
• Seed stitch: Used in both flat rows and rounds. In rows, alternating knit and purl stitches are reversed on each row to create a bumpy, textured surface. This stitch appears in the initial 6 cm border and final 6 cm ribbed section, as well as in 12-stitch panels flanking the main pattern.
• Main pattern: A slip-stitch motif worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3. The 12-row repeat alternates between stockinette stitch sections and offset slip-stitch rows (rows 3–4 and rows 9–10), where stitches are slipped purlwise with yarn held in back or in front. This creates a subtle, sophisticated texture that adds visual depth without significantly increasing fabric thickness.

Materials and Tools

The cardigan is knitted in Lana Grossa Cool Wool Big, a yarn composed of 100% pure wool. The yardage requirement is 400 grams (450 grams, 500 grams) depending on size, with each 50-gram ball providing 120 meters of yarn. This substantial yarn weight creates a fabric with good drape and durability.

Knitting needles required include size 5 mm straight needles for the main construction and a size 5 mm circular needle measuring 40 cm in length, which accommodates the width of the piece during flat knitting.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows measuring 10 x 10 cm when worked in the main pattern on size 5 mm needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit.

Pattern Sequence

The construction begins with casting on 257 (273, 289) stitches and working a 6 cm seed stitch border with slip garter selvage edges. The main pattern section follows, incorporating seed stitch panels at the edges and the slip-stitch main pattern in the center. After reaching 26 (28, 30) cm from the cast-on edge, 64 (68, 72) stitches are bound off at the beginning of the next two rows to create armhole shaping, leaving 129 (137, 145) stitches. The piece continues in the main pattern until it reaches 52 (56, 60) cm total length, then transitions to a final 6 cm seed stitch section before binding off all stitches.