Queensland Collection Maissa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Queensland Collection Maissa Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Maissa Cardigan is a knitted button-front cardigan designed by Claudia Wersing. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to XX-Large, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches (90cm) to 51 inches (130cm). The cardigan features a length to shoulder of approximately 21½ to 23½ inches (55 to 59cm), making it a standard-length cardigan suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Techniques Used

The Maissa Cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. Cable knitting is a primary design element, featuring prominent cable stitch panels that run vertically down the front and back of the garment. The pattern incorporates armhole shaping through strategic decreases worked over multiple rows, with varying numbers of stitches cast off depending on size. Neck shaping is achieved by casting off stitches at the center back and finishing both sides separately with additional decreases at the neck edge. The cardigan is constructed using flat knitting on straight needles for the body pieces, with finishing details worked on circular needles. Button bands are incorporated into the design, with six buttons used for closure.

Stitches Used

The Maissa Cardigan combines multiple stitch types to create texture and visual appeal:

• Moss Stitch – Used as the primary fabric on the outer edges and sides of the cardigan, creating a textured, bumpy surface. This stitch appears in quantities ranging from 11 to 28 stitches depending on size.
• Cable Stitch – Featured in 9-stitch panels that are repeated multiple times across the front and back. Cable stitches create the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture.
• Stockinette Stitch – Used in 2-stitch sections interspersed throughout the pattern for contrast.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch – Employed in 2-stitch sections to create visual separation between pattern elements.
• Selvedge Stitches – Single stitches at the edges of pieces to create neat, finished edges.

Materials

The Maissa Cardigan is knitted using Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran yarn in the shade 31 Creme. The yardage requirement is 6 to 8 hanks of 100g each, depending on the size being knitted (Small through XX-Large require 6, 6, 7, 7, and 8 hanks respectively). This aran-weight yarn provides good stitch definition for both the cable and moss stitch elements.

The pattern requires size US 9 (5.5mm) knitting needles in two formats: one pair of straight needles for working the body pieces flat, and one size US 9 (5.5mm) circular needle for finishing details such as button bands and necklines. A cable needle is essential for manipulating stitches when working the cable stitch panels. The cardigan is fastened with six buttons.

Gauge Information

Achieving the correct gauge is critical for proper fit. The pattern specifies 17 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in moss stitch and 23 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in the cable and rib stitch pattern combination, both measured using size US 9 (5.5mm) needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge before beginning the cardigan.