Sesia Flatiron Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Flatiron Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sesia Flatiron Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a flattering silhouette with finished bust measurements from 35 inches (89 cm) for the smallest size up to 55½ inches (141 cm) for the largest size. The cardigan length ranges from 22½ inches (57 cm) to 26 inches (66 cm) depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

The Flatiron Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create a polished, professional finish:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: Pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is ideal for creating distinct front and back panels that will later be seamed together.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces—front panels, back panel, sleeves, and bands—are knitted separately and then carefully seamed together using a yarn needle for a refined, tailored appearance.
• Stripe Pattern: The cardigan incorporates a striped design that adds visual interest and showcases the interplay between two complementary yarn colors throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

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

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan. Stockinette is created by knitting all stitches on the right side (RS) rows and purling all stitches on the wrong side (WS) rows. This produces the classic smooth, V-textured fabric that is the foundation of most knitted garments. The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, ensuring proper fit and drape.
• K1, P1 Rib: A classic ribbed stitch used for the front bands and neckband. This stitch alternates single knit stitches with single purl stitches in a repeating pattern. Ribbing is elastic and creates a neat, finished edge that hugs the body. The rib is worked on smaller needles (size 4, 3.5mm) compared to the main body, which helps create a tighter, more defined border.

Materials

The Sesia Flatiron Cardigan calls for luxurious, specialty yarns that create an elegant drape and subtle shimmer:

• Yarn Fiber Content: The pattern uses a premium blend consisting of 71% super kid mohair, 20% silk, and 9% lurex. This combination creates a soft, lightweight fabric with a delicate sheen from the lurex component.
• Yarn Weight and Yardage: Each ball contains 0.88 ounces (25 grams) and provides 232 yards (212.5 meters) of yarn. The pattern requires 3 to 4 balls of the primary color (A) and 2 to 4 balls of the secondary color (B), depending on the size being knitted.
• Needles: The pattern requires two pairs of straight needles—size 5 (3.75mm) needles for the main body, worked to achieve the specified gauge, and size 4 (3.5mm) needles for the front bands and neckband to create a tighter, more structured finish.
• Notions: Additional supplies include a stitch holder for managing live stitches during construction and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Pattern Details and Shaping

The Flatiron Cardigan features carefully planned shaping to create a well-fitted garment. The armhole shaping involves strategic bind-offs and decreases that vary by size, creating a comfortable sleeve cap. Neck shaping is achieved through bind-offs at the neck edge combined with regular decreases, resulting in a graceful neckline. Shoulder shaping uses bind-offs to create clean, finished shoulder seams. The stripe pattern is integrated throughout these shaping sections, requiring attention to color changes during decreases and bind-offs to maintain visual continuity.