Sesia Nova Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Nova Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sesia Nova 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 from 37¾ inches (96 cm) to 53¾ inches (136.5 cm) and lengths between 22½ and 24½ inches (57 to 62 cm). The cardigan is a classic wardrobe staple suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Nova Cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and construction. The finished pieces are then seamed together, with shoulder seams joined using the three-needle bind-off technique for a secure, professional finish. This construction method provides excellent stitch definition and allows for precise fit adjustments throughout the knitting process.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Sesia Nova Cardigan is Moss Stitch, a classic textured stitch that creates a subtle, woven appearance. Moss Stitch is worked over an odd number of stitches and repeats over four rows:

• Row 1 (RS): K1, * p1, k1; repeat from * to end
• Row 2 (WS): P1, * k1, p1; repeat from * to end
• Row 3: P1, * k1, p1; repeat from * to end
• Row 4: K1, * p1, k1; repeat from * to end

This four-row repeat creates a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and dimensional interest. The Moss Stitch pattern is maintained consistently across all pattern pieces—the back, front panels, and sleeves—ensuring visual cohesion throughout the finished garment.

Materials and Gauge

The Sesia Nova Cardigan is knitted with Sesia Yarns WINDSURF LUX, a 100% Egyptian cotton yarn. The yarn is available in color #0668 silver. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 118 yards (108 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires 10 to 16 balls depending on size, with larger sizes requiring proportionally more yardage.

The cardigan is worked on Size 7 (4.5mm) needles, with the gauge set at 20 stitches and 24 rows in Moss Stitch over a 4-inch (10 cm) square. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure proper fit and finished measurements. A Size 7 (4.5mm) 40-inch (100 cm) circular needle is used for the neckband, and additional materials include a yarn needle for seaming and stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction.

Pattern Structure

The Nova Cardigan consists of three main pattern pieces: a back panel, two front panels, and two sleeves. The back is cast on with 95 to 135 stitches depending on size and worked in Moss Stitch until the piece reaches 15 inches (38 cm) in length. Armhole shaping is then introduced by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows and decreasing one stitch at each end on right-side rows. The armhole depth ranges from 7½ to 9½ inches (19 to 24 cm) depending on size.

The sleeves are cast on with 45 to 55 stitches and worked in Moss Stitch with increases at the beginning and end of every 6th to 8th row, depending on size. A total of 12 to 16 increases are worked, bringing the sleeve to 69 to 87 stitches. Sleeves are worked to a length of 17 to 18 inches (43 to 45.5 cm) before sleeve cap shaping is introduced through binding off and decreasing. The finished garment is blocked to measurements and seamed together using the three-needle bind-off technique for shoulder seams.