Sesia Bethany Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Bethany Cardigan by Lidia Karabinech

What is Being Made

The Sesia Bethany Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed for easy construction and versatile wear. Available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and XL—this cardigan features a buttoned front closure with a finished bust measurement of 37 to 49 inches and a length to shoulder of 25½ inches. The sample garment is knitted in size Medium with a 41-inch bust measurement.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that make it accessible for knitters of various skill levels:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Seamless Construction: The design minimizes seaming, reducing finishing work and creating a cleaner final garment.
• Worked Flat: Rather than working in the round, this cardigan is knitted flat on straight needles, making it straightforward for knitters familiar with traditional flat knitting methods.
• Striped Colorwork: The pattern incorporates horizontal stripes using multiple yarn colors, adding visual interest and demonstrating color changes throughout the construction.

Stitches Used

The Bethany Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches that create both texture and structure:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout most of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric ideal for a polished cardigan appearance.
• K3xP2 Rib: A textured ribbed pattern worked over a 5-stitch repeat (knit 3, purl 2). This rib stitch is used for edging and detail sections, providing elasticity and a refined finish to the garment.

Materials and Yarn

The Bethany Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Sesia Nordica, a premium yarn composed of 100% virgin wool. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 137 yards (125 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires the following yarn quantities and colors:

• 9 to 13 balls (depending on size) in color 3842 – almond (A), which serves as the main color
• 1 ball in color 0466 – dark ruby (B) for striping
• 1 ball in color 1468 – latte (C) for striping
• 1 ball in color 3792 – dark red violet (D) for striping and detail work

Needles and Notions

To complete this project, knitters will need US 6 (4mm) straight needles for the main body construction, along with a US 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 centimeters) long specifically for the buttonhole band. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and five buttons measuring 5/8 inch for the front closure.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the cardigan and to take time to check their gauge carefully, as even small variations can significantly affect the final fit of the garment.

Pattern Format

The Sesia Bethany Cardigan is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern is classified as EASY, indicating it is suitable for knitters with basic to intermediate skills who are comfortable with fundamental stitches and straightforward shaping techniques.