Sesia Callie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Callie Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sesia Callie Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach and is worked flat on needles. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with five 7/8" (22 mm) buttons and is designed to fit with 3–5" (7.5–12.5 cm) of positive ease. Available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and XL—the cardigan offers knitted bust measurements of 36¾" (89 cm), 40" (101.5 cm), 45" (114.5 cm), and 50" (127 cm) respectively, with a 2" (5 cm) overlap. The length ranges from 22½" (57 cm) in the smallest size to 26" (66 cm) in the largest size.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its intermediate difficulty level. The garment is worked flat, meaning pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and construction. The bottom-up construction method means the cardigan is knitted starting from the lower edges and progressing upward toward the neckline. Cable work features prominently throughout the design, creating textured visual interest. The various pieces are seamed together after completion, requiring careful finishing work. The pattern also incorporates increases and decreases for shaping, including techniques such as knit two together (K2tog), purl two together (P2tog), and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases, as well as evenly spaced increases worked into knit rows.

Stitches Used

The Sesia Callie Cardigan combines fundamental and decorative stitches to create its finished appearance. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the primary fabric base, providing a smooth, classic knit surface. K2, P2 Ribbing is used for the cuff and lower edge, creating an elastic, fitted border that helps the garment hold its shape. The signature design element features cable stitches, specifically C4F (Cable 4 Front) and C4B (Cable 4 Back) cables. These cables are created by slipping stitches to a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, and then knitting across in a specific sequence to create the characteristic twisted rope texture. The cable pattern repeats at regular intervals throughout the body of the cardigan, establishing a vertical textured motif that adds depth and visual interest to the stockinette background.

Materials

The Sesia Callie Cardigan pattern calls for Sesia Pura Lana Ecologica yarn, a blend of 50% virgin wool and 50% alpaca. Each ball weighs 1.75 oz (50 g) and contains 95 yards (87 meters) of yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 9 balls, Medium requires 10 balls, Large requires 12 balls, and XL requires 13 balls. The recommended yarn color is #605 pebble. Knitting is performed on size 8 (5 mm) circular needles measuring 32" (80 cm) in length, or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18½ stitches and 23 rows over 4" (10 cm) when worked in pattern stitch, and knitters are advised to check their gauge carefully before beginning the project.