Sesia Krista Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Krista Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sesia Krista Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan sweater designed by Karen Tatro. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches (87.5cm) to 50½ inches (128.5cm). The cardigan features a relaxed fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease and a length that ranges from 23½ inches (59.5cm) to 25½ inches (65cm) depending on size. This piece is suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate knitters seeking a well-structured cardigan project.

Techniques Used

The Krista Cardigan employs a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat construction method. The cardigan is knit in individual pieces—including the back, two fronts, and sleeves—which are subsequently sewn together for a polished, professional finish. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and easier adjustments during the knitting process. The pattern incorporates strategic increases and decreases worked on wrong-side (knit) rows, enabling them to be executed knitwise for cleaner stitch definition. The center front and back neck bands are worked as integral parts of each piece, simplifying the finishing process and eliminating the need for separate neckband pickup and knitting.

Stitches Used

The Krista Cardigan features three primary stitch patterns:

• Seed Stitch: An alternating knit and purl stitch worked over an odd number of stitches. Row 1 (right-side) alternates K1, p1 across to the final stitch, which is knitted. Row 2 (wrong-side) requires knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches as they appear. This textured, reversible stitch is used for the lower 2 inches (5cm) of the cardigan, creating a decorative and elastic edge.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st): The primary stitch for the body of the cardigan. Reverse Stockinette is worked by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, creating a bumpy, textured surface on the public-facing side. This stitch provides visual interest and is worked from the completion of the Seed Stitch cuff until the armhole shaping begins.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The standard knit-on-right-side, purl-on-wrong-side stitch, referenced in the pattern notes and gauge specifications. This smooth, classic stitch forms the foundation of many cardigan sections.

Decreases are accomplished using k2tog (knit 2 together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) techniques for armhole and waist shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Krista Cardigan is worked in Sesia Bluebell, a luxurious blend yarn composed of 42% kid mohair, 40% polyester, and 18% silk. This fiber combination creates a soft, lightweight fabric with excellent drape and subtle sheen. The yarn is supplied in balls of 0.88 ounces (25 grams) with 136 yards (125 meters) per ball. Depending on size, the project requires 5 to 7 balls of yarn in color #4392 dusty mauve.

The pattern calls for US size 10 (6mm) circular needles in three lengths: 24 inches (60cm), 32 inches (80cm), and 40 inches (100cm), allowing flexibility for working different sections of the garment. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends. Knitters should verify their personal gauge before beginning; the pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows equals 4 inches (10cm) in Stockinette Stitch. Obtaining accurate gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished measurements.