Perinone Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Perinone Cardigan in Rowan Kidsilk Haze

What is Being Made

The Perinone Cardigan is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Zandra Rhodes. This garment features a sophisticated construction worked in one piece beginning at the back hem edge, with an actual bust measurement of 137 cm (54 inches). The cardigan showcases a complex striping pattern that alternates between four carefully selected Rowan Kidsilk Haze yarn colors throughout the body, creating a visually striking colorwork design without traditional Fair Isle or intarsia techniques.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The body is constructed as a single continuous piece rather than separate components, requiring careful stitch management and shaping. The garment utilizes strategic increases worked throughout the pattern to shape the body as it grows from a small cast-on of 3 stitches, expanding systematically through paired increase stitches (inc twice in next st) and make-one increases (M1) positioned at regular intervals. The pattern note indicates that crafters may prefer to transition to varying lengths of circular needles as the stitch count increases, matching needle length to the width of each section being knitted for optimal comfort and control.

Stitches Used

The Perinone Cardigan is worked primarily over stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. The pattern incorporates essential foundational stitches including knit (K), purl (P), and various increase methods. Increases are achieved through inc twice in next st (creating two new stitches from one stitch) and M1 (make-one increases), which are strategically placed to shape the garment's silhouette. The stripe sequence is integrated directly into the stitch pattern rather than requiring color changes within rows, simplifying the colorwork execution while maintaining visual complexity.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This cardigan is knitted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn blend worked at a tension of 25 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters on 3¼mm (US 3) needles. The pattern requires four distinct colors from the Kidsilk Haze range:

• Yarn A: Blackcurrant 641 — 10 x 25gm (the primary color used most extensively throughout the pattern)
• Yarn B: Liqueur 595 — 1 x 25gm (used sparingly for accent stripes)
• Yarn C: Scarlett 715 — 4 x 25gm (incorporated into the stripe sequence)
• Yarn D: Blushes 583 — 5 x 25gm (alternated regularly throughout the body)

The needles required are 1 pair of 3¼mm (no 10) (US 3) needles. Due to the expanding stitch count as the body grows, circular needles in varying lengths are recommended to accommodate the increasing width of the knitted fabric comfortably.

Stripe Pattern Sequence

The cardigan features a carefully orchestrated stripe sequence that repeats throughout the body construction. The pattern alternates between the four yarns in a structured progression: Blackcurrant (Yarn A) forms the foundation with longer stripe sections, while Blushes (Yarn D) and Liqueur (Yarn B) create rhythmic color breaks. This sequence continues for over 500 rows, with stripe widths varying from 7 rows to 20 rows, creating visual interest and depth in the finished garment.