Sesia Marlowe Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Marlowe Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sesia Marlowe Cardigan is an easy-level knitted cardigan designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in five sizes ranging from X-Small to X-Large, with finished bust measurements from 32½ inches (83cm) to 48½ inches (123.5cm) and lengths from 21 inches (53.5cm) to 25 inches (63.5cm).

Techniques Used

The Marlowe Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked flat: The pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating separate front and back panels that are later seamed together.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are joined using a yarn needle to create the finished garment structure.
• Shaping techniques: The pattern employs bind-off decreases at the armhole to create proper sleeve cap shaping, followed by row-by-row decreases to taper the armhole opening.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Marlowe Cardigan uses fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for an easy-level pattern:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Knit 2/Purl 2 Ribbing (K2/P2 Rib): Used for the cuff edges and waistband, providing stretch and structure at the garment's edges.
• K2tog (knit 2 together): A right-leaning decrease used for armhole and neckline shaping.
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog for balanced shaping on both sides of the armhole.
• M1L (Make 1 left) and M1R (Make 1 right): Increase techniques used to add stitches while maintaining clean, nearly invisible increases in the fabric.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Marlowe Cardigan is knitted with Sesia BIO BIMBO, a 100% cotton yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size: X-Small requires 5 balls, Small requires 6 balls, Medium requires 7 balls, Large requires 8 balls, and X-Large requires 9 balls. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 196 yards (180 meters) of yarn. The pattern calls for the color #3893 ocean deep.

Needles and Tools

Construction of the Marlowe Cardigan requires US size 4 (3.5mm) needles in two configurations: one set of straight needles for working the flat pieces, and one 40-inch (100cm) circular needle for picking up stitches and working the neckline. Additional tools needed include stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows measured over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements, and knitters are advised to take time to check their gauge before beginning the project.