Rico Design Sweater, Tank Top & Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Rico Design Sweater, Tank Top & Cardigan

What Is Being Made

This Rico Design knitting pattern provides instructions for creating three coordinating garments: a sweater, a tank top, and a cardigan. All three pieces are designed in the Fashion Modern Tweed aran yarn and can be customized across five different bust sizes, ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) to 122–127 cm (48–50 in). The garments feature a modern aesthetic with contemporary styling suitable for various skill levels.

Techniques Used

These garments are constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The pieces are knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: All components are created on flat needles rather than in the round, making them accessible to knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are sewn together using seaming techniques to create the finished garments, providing clean, professional-looking seams.
• Lace Details: The pattern incorporates lace elements that add visual interest and texture to the designs.

Stitches Used

The pattern is worked primarily over a stitch pattern that requires a tension of 14 stitches and 24.5 rows to 10 cm (4 in) when measured over the pattern on 5 mm needles. The abbreviations referenced in the pattern include fundamental knitting stitches such as knit (k), yarn forward (yfwd), yarn round needle (yrn), increase (inc), decrease (dec), and slip stitch (sl 1), indicating a blend of basic and intermediate stitch techniques.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the use of Rico Fashion Modern Tweed aran yarn, which is essential for achieving the correct gauge and finished garment size. The yarn requirements vary by garment and size:

• Sweater: Rico Fashion Modern Tweed aran in Shade 015 (light grey), requiring 9 to 15 50 g balls depending on size.
• Tank Top: Rico Fashion Modern Tweed aran in Shade 014 (green), requiring 6 to 12 50 g balls depending on size.
• Cardigan: Rico Fashion Modern Tweed aran in Shade 012 (lilac), requiring 10 to 17 50 g balls depending on size.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 4 mm (UK 8 – USA 6) needles and 5 mm (UK 6 – USA 8) needles. The cardigan version requires seven buttons, each measuring 2.2 cm in diameter, for front closure.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern accommodates five different sizes with actual bust measurements ranging from 101 cm to 159 cm (39¾ in to 62½ in). Full lengths vary from 59 cm to 73 cm (23¼ in to 28¾ in) from the back neck, with sleeve seams measuring between 46 cm and 48 cm (18 in to 19 in). The pattern is rated as suitable for beginners through advanced knitters, with an intermediate difficulty level noted for the main designs.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is emphasized as essential for proper garment sizing. The required tension is 14 stitches and 24.5 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over the pattern using 5 mm needles. The pattern advises that knitters should use thinner needles if their tension produces fewer stitches, or thicker needles if their tension produces more stitches, ensuring the finished garment matches the intended measurements.