Sesia Elsie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Elsie Cardigan Pattern Summary

What is Being Made

The Sesia Elsie Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL, with finished bust measurements of 32 to 52 inches (81.5 to 132 cm). The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with four ¾-inch buttons and offers a comfortable fit with 2 to 5 inches of positive ease. The length ranges from 18½ to 20½ inches (47 to 52 cm) depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that contribute to its structured, polished appearance:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing.
• Cable Techniques: The pattern incorporates cable stitches, including a 4/4 left cross cable (4/4 LC) that requires slipping stitches to a cable needle and holding them in front while working, creating the distinctive textured appearance characteristic of cable knit designs.

Stitches Used

The Sesia Elsie Cardigan employs a variety of fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st): Created by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, this stitch produces a bumpy texture that provides visual contrast to smooth areas.
• K1, P1 Rib: A classic ribbed stitch worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, alternating knit and purl stitches. This elastic stitch is typically used for cuffs, hems, and necklines to provide structure and recovery.
• Cable Pattern: A repeating pattern worked over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 4, featuring knit and purl combinations that create the characteristic cable texture. The pattern includes the 4/4 LC cable cross, which creates a bold, dimensional effect.
• Decreases: Multiple decrease techniques are used throughout, including K2tog (knit 2 together), P2tog (purl 2 together), P2tog-tbl (purl 2 together through back loop), and ssk/ssp (slip, slip, knit or purl), allowing for shaping at armholes, necklines, and other areas.
• Yarn Overs: Yarn over increases create decorative holes and are used strategically within the pattern design.

Materials and Gauge

The Sesia Elsie Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Sesia Rebelle yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 55% extrafine merino, 32% mohair, and 13% silk. This fiber combination creates a soft, lightweight fabric with excellent drape and subtle sheen. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 8 balls, Medium requires 10 balls, Large requires 11 balls, XL requires 13 balls, and 2XL requires 15 balls. Each ball contains 50 grams (1.75 ounces) and provides 98 yards (90 meters) of yarn. The pattern calls for US size 10.5 (6.5mm) needles, though knitters should select the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge of 19 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Cable Pattern. Additional materials include a cable needle for managing cable stitches, stitch holders and markers for tracking progress, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends. The yarn is shown in color #3828 cobblestone, a neutral shade suitable for diverse styling options.