Sesia Vera Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sesia Vera Cardigan: Seamless Striped Knit Design

What is Being Made

The Sesia Vera is an easy-level cardigan designed by Susan Baron, featuring a generous front overlap and a relaxed, comfortable fit. This seamless knit cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from X-Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 51½ inches (131 cm) up to 81¾ inches (208 cm). The cardigan is worked primarily in stockinette stitch with a striped color pattern using two coordinating yarn colors.

Construction Techniques

The Vera cardigan employs a top-down seamless construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length to personal preference. The body is worked flat on circular needles, while the sleeves transition to working in the round using double-pointed needles or a short circular needle. This hybrid approach combines the ease of flat knitting for the main body with the efficiency of circular knitting for the sleeves, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a polished, professional finish.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch throughout the Vera is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape. The cardigan features a K1, P1 ribbed edging worked in rows, providing structure and definition at the front bands and cuffs. Stripe patterning is created using two distinct yarn colors (A and B), adding visual interest and depth to the finished garment. Shaping is accomplished using standard increases, including the M1 (Make 1) increase technique, which involves lifting the strand between needles and working through the back loop to prevent holes, as well as decreases such as ssk (slip, slip, knit) for sleeve cap shaping.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Vera cardigan is knitted using Sesia BIO BIMBO, a 100% organic cotton yarn produced by Stacy Charles Fine Yarns. The pattern requires two coordinating colors: Color A (sand, sea and sky) in quantities of 2 to 5 balls depending on size, and Color B (tide pool) in quantities of 4 to 9 balls. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 196 yards (180 meters), making this a substantial project requiring between 980 and 1,764 total yards of yarn across both colors.

Needles and Gauge

The Vera is worked on size 4 (3.5mm) circular needles, with the pattern requiring one 40-inch (100 cm) long needle for the body, one 16-inch (40 cm) needle for smaller circumferences, and one set of size 4 double-pointed needles for sleeve work. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit, particularly given the generous overlap design of this cardigan.

Additional Supplies

• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming

The Vera cardigan's combination of organic cotton yarn, seamless construction, and straightforward stitch patterns makes it an accessible project for knitters seeking a comfortable, wearable garment with professional results.