Malabrigo Arya Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Arya Oversized Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Malabrigo Arya is an oversized cardigan designed for intermediate knitters. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small to XXX-Large, with finished bust measurements from 40 inches (101cm) to 64 inches (162cm). The cardigan features a relaxed, oversized fit and is shown in size Small in the Matisse Blue colorway. The finished length ranges from 19¼ inches (48.5cm) in the smallest size to 22½ inches (57cm) in the largest size.

Techniques Used

The Arya cardigan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The design uses a seamed construction, with one edge stitch on each side reserved for seaming and not included in the final measurements. The cardigan body is worked in one continuous piece beginning at the lower back edge, with sleeves cast on during construction. The front and back neck band is picked up and worked separately in finishing, creating a polished neckline.

Stitches Used

The Arya cardigan utilizes two primary stitch patterns. The main fabric is worked in garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The ribbing sections—used for the lower edge and the front and back neck band—are worked in k1, p1 rib, an alternating knit and purl pattern that provides elasticity and structure. Decreases are incorporated using k2tog (knit two together) decreases to shape the garment.

Materials and Gauge

The Arya cardigan is designed to be knitted with Rasta by Malabrigo yarn, a merino wool fiber available in 5.29-ounce (150-gram) hanks with approximately 90 yards (82 meters) per hank. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 hanks for X-Small to 12 hanks for XXX-Large. The pattern is worked on US size 15 (10mm) needles. Two gauges are specified: 9 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in garter stitch, and 10.5 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in k1, p1 rib. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Additional notions required include stitch holders and stitch markers for tracking shaping and construction points.

Construction Details

The back piece begins with a cast-on that varies by size, from 53 stitches for X-Small to 85 stitches for XXX-Large. The lower edge is worked in k1, p1 rib for 4¾ inches (12cm), followed by a decrease row that reduces the stitch count. The back is then continued in garter stitch until it reaches the specified length. Sleeve shaping is accomplished by casting on stitches at regular intervals across multiple rows, creating the cap sleeve or upper arm width. The upper arm measurement ranges from 14½ inches (37cm) to 18½ inches (47cm) depending on size. Markers are placed to indicate important shaping points as the sleeves are integrated into the main body.