Massine Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Massine Cardigan in Berroco Mirelle

What is Being Made

The Massine Cardigan is a seamlessly constructed knit cardigan designed by Alison Green, offered in ten sizes ranging from 32" to 68¼" finished bust measurement. This intermediate-level garment features an overlapping front closure and is worked from the top down, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to develop their skills in seamless construction and shaping techniques.

Construction and Techniques

The Massine Cardigan employs a top-down seamless construction method, beginning with the back collar extensions. The pattern uses a strategic picking-up technique to add stitches for the upper back, which is worked with increases to shape the shoulders. Additional stitches are picked up to work over the shoulders, and once the shoulder area is completed on both sides, all sections are joined together to work the yoke as one continuous piece. This construction approach eliminates seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish throughout the garment.

The design accommodates 2 to 6 inches of positive ease, allowing for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The cardigan shown in the pattern is modeled in size 5 (48" bust) with approximately 2 inches of positive ease.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Massine Cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a classic, smooth fabric with a refined appearance. This fundamental knit stitch is worked consistently across the body, yoke, and sleeves, making it accessible for intermediate knitters while still producing a polished, wearable garment.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Berroco Mirelle, a premium yarn in colorway #11807 Tinsmith. The pattern requires between 6 and 11 hanks of 100-gram skeins, depending on the size selected. Size 1 requires 6 hanks, sizes 2 and 3 require 6 to 7 hanks, sizes 4 through 7 require 7 to 9 hanks, and sizes 8 through 10 require 10 to 11 hanks.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for a 32-inch circular needle in size 9 (5.5 mm), which is used for the main body and yoke work. A set of double-pointed needles or preferred needles for working small circumferences in the same size 9 (5.5 mm) is needed for sleeve cap shaping and other tight areas. Additional supplies include 6 stitch markers to track pattern sections, waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern instructions emphasize taking time to check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements. The cardigan is blocked after completion to set the stitches and achieve the final dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Massine Cardigan is suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle seamless construction, picking up stitches, and managing multiple sections simultaneously. The top-down method and straightforward stockinette stitch base make this an ideal intermediate pattern for developing advanced shaping and construction skills.