Sesia Mercedes Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Sesia Mercedes Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sesia Mercedes Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Sylvia Snape. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with the displayed sample shown in size Small. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure and is worked in a straightforward construction method suitable for knitters of all skill levels.

Garment Specifications

The cardigan offers the following finished measurements:

• Bust: 33 (37, 41½, 46, 50, 54, 57) inches / 84 (94, 105.5, 117, 127, 137, 145) centimeters
• Length at center back: 16¾ (17¼, 17¾, 18½, 19½, 20¼, 21¼) inches / 43 (44, 45.5, 47, 49.5, 51.5, 53.5) centimeters

Techniques and Construction

The Mercedes Cardigan is worked flat on circular needles and features seamed construction. This approach allows for controlled shaping and precise finishing. The pattern employs strategic increases and decreases to create fitted shaping, particularly visible in the front pieces where Make 1 Left (M1L), Make 1 Right (M1R), and Make 1 Purl (M1P) techniques are used to add stitches invisibly without creating holes. These increases are paired with decreases such as knit 2 together (k2tog) and purl 2 together (p2tog) to maintain stitch counts while creating subtle shaping details.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows. This foundational stitch is accented with strategic shaping techniques. The pattern also incorporates a buttonhole created using yarn over (yo) and purl 2 together decreases on wrong-side rows. Special techniques include slipping the first stitch of all right-side rows for a neat selvage edge, while the first stitch of wrong-side rows is worked normally.

Materials and Gauge

The cardigan is constructed using Sesia BIO BIMBO, a 100% organic cotton yarn. The yardage requirements range from 4 to 8 balls depending on size selected, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 196 yards (180 meters) of yarn. The pattern calls for a size 4 (3.5mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 centimeters) long for the main knitting, along with a size D (3mm) crochet hook and size C (2.5mm) crochet hook for finishing details. One ⅝-inch (16mm) button is required for the front closure. The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch when blocked, and achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit.

Additional Components

The pattern includes stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and construction points, as well as a stitch holder or waste yarn for managing stitches during assembly. The difficulty level is rated as EASY, making this design accessible to knitters with basic to intermediate experience.