Louet Sabrina Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Louet Sabrina Gems Cardigan - Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Louet Sabrina Gems is a versatile wrap-around cardigan designed by Olena Zylak. This garment functions as both a pretty jacket and a casual wrap, making it an ideal accessory for layering over skirts, slacks, or wearing on cool days. The cardigan is available in four sizes: XS, S, M, and L, with finished widths ranging from 25 to 31 inches and finished lengths from 17 to 20.5 inches.

Techniques Used

The Sabrina Gems cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach and is worked flat on circular needles. The pattern features a garter stitch band foundation, followed by stockinette stitch body sections. A distinctive characteristic of this design is that two strands of yarn are held together throughout the entire knitting process, which creates a thicker, cozier fabric and allows the garment to knit up very quickly. The pattern is designed with minimal finishing work—notably, there is no sewing required, as the back shoulder seam is knitted together using straight needles.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Used for the foundational band at the beginning of the project
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows, forming the primary fabric of the body
• K2tog (knit 2 together): A right-leaning decrease stitch used throughout the lace pattern
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches knitwise, then inserting the left needle into the fronts of these stitches and knitting them together
• YO (yarn over): A decorative increase that creates the lace motif running through the cardigan

The lace pattern alternates between two row sequences: rows featuring K2tog and YO decreases and increases interspersed with knit stitches, followed by rows of pure stockinette stitch. This creates a repeating 16-row pattern that is worked a total of 48 to 54 rows depending on size.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sabrina Gems cardigan is crafted from 100% Merino Wool in a Fine/Sport Weight. The yarn is supplied in 100-gram skeins, each containing 225 yards. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS requires 5 skeins (1,125 yards), S requires 7 skeins (1,575 yards), M requires 9 skeins (2,025 yards), and L requires 11 skeins (2,475 yards).

A significant advantage of this yarn choice is that it is machine washable and dryable. The pattern includes important care instructions: the knitter must machine wash and dry a gauge swatch on low heat for 15 minutes, then lay it flat to finish before measuring gauge, as the merino wool will relax and set after washing.

Needles and Tools

• 5.0 mm circular needles: Available in 30 cm and 150 cm lengths, used for the garter stitch band and initial cast-on
• 6.0 mm circular needles: Available in 40 cm and 100 cm lengths, used for the body of the cardigan
• 7.0 mm straight needles: Used specifically for knitting together the back shoulder seam
• 5 stitch holders: Used to hold stitches during construction

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches when measured in the pattern stitch (stockinette with the lace motif). Because the yarn is held in double strands and the fabric will relax after washing, achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern provides detailed finished measurements for each size across multiple points: width at bust (A), length (B), sleeve cap depth (C), sleeve length (D), armhole circumference (E), and neckband width (F).