Sesia Thea Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Thea Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sesia Thea Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is worked from the bottom up in a seamed construction, featuring a structured silhouette available in four sizes: Small (bust 38½"), Medium (bust 42¼"), Large (bust 45¾"), and Extra Large (bust 49½"). The cardigan has a finished length ranging from 27" to 28½" depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Thea Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward construction of individual pieces. The bottom-up construction method means knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the neckline, making it easy to try on and adjust length as needed. The cardigan uses a seamed construction, where separate pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—are knitted individually and then joined together using a yarn needle, creating clean, professional seams. The pattern also incorporates the three-needle bind-off technique for seaming pieces together as you bind off, which is an efficient method for joining shoulders or other edges with a secure finish.

Stitches Used

The Thea Cardigan features a limited but essential stitch vocabulary, making it an easy-level pattern suitable for knitters with basic skills. The ribbing at the lower edge is worked in K1, P1 Rib (alternating knit and purl stitches) for 12 rows, creating an elastic, fitted edge that hugs the body. The main body of the cardigan is worked in Stockinette Stitch (St st), which produces the classic smooth, flat knit fabric. Shaping is accomplished using fundamental increases and decreases: M1L (Make 1 Left) for left-leaning increases, K2tog (Knit 2 Together) for right-leaning decreases, and Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit) for additional decreasing techniques. These stitches work together to create the armhole shaping and other fitted elements of the garment.

Materials

The Sesia Thea Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Sesia Dolce Tweed yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 43% polyamide, 35% silk, 13% acrylic, and 9% mohair. This fiber content creates a soft, sophisticated fabric with subtle texture and sheen. The yarn is available in three coordinating colors for this pattern: Navy (#0474) for the main color, Magenta (#0453) for contrast, and Forest (#0479) for additional color options. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 148 yards (135 meters). Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 3 balls of Navy, 2 balls of Magenta, and 3 balls of Forest; Medium and Large require 4 balls of Navy, 3 balls of Magenta, and 3 balls of Forest; and Extra Large requires 5 balls of Navy, 3 balls of Magenta, and 3 balls of Forest.

Knitting is worked on size 7 (4.5mm) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. Additional supplies include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together.