String Alexa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Alexa Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Alexa Cardigan is a luxurious knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech, available in four sizes ranging from Small to Extra Large. The finished garment features a bust measurement of 42 to 54 inches (106.5 to 137 centimeters) and a length of 25 inches (63.5 centimeters). This is a sophisticated layering piece that combines premium natural fibers with delicate metallic accents for an elegant, versatile wardrobe staple.

Knitting Techniques

The Alexa Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed construction method, meaning the individual pieces are knitted separately from the lower edges upward and then joined together. The pattern employs short-row shaping to create tailored shoulder shaping, a technique that adds dimension and improves fit without increasing stitch count. Short rows are strategically placed throughout the shoulder sections, with wraps picked up and worked together with wrapped stitches to create a seamless appearance. The cardigan is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier manipulation of individual front, back, and collar pieces.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Alexa Cardigan is K3, P2 Rib, a classic ribbed texture that creates vertical lines of definition. This rib pattern is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches in a consistent sequence: Row 1 works *K3, P2* (knit 3 stitches, purl 2 stitches) repeated to the end, while Row 2 reverses this to *K2, P3* (knit 2 stitches, purl 3 stitches). These two rows are repeated throughout the pattern to create the ribbed fabric. The ribbed stitch pattern provides excellent elasticity and recovery, making it ideal for a fitted cardigan silhouette.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Alexa Cardigan is designed to be knitted with two yarns held together throughout, creating a sophisticated blend of textures and fibers. The primary yarn is STRING BLOSSOM, a luxurious blend of 50% cashmere and 50% silk. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 177 yards (162.5 meters) of yardage. The pattern calls for 8 to 10 balls of STRING BLOSSOM in color 200009 mushroom (A), depending on size selection. The secondary yarn is STACY CHARLES FLORA, composed of 95% cotton with 5% metallic polyester for subtle shimmer. Each ball of FLORA weighs 0.88 ounces (25 grams) and provides 114 yards (105 meters). The pattern requires 9 to 11 balls of FLORA in color 29 khaki (B), depending on size. This combination of cashmere-silk with cotton-metallic creates a refined fabric with both warmth and breathability.

Needles and Notions

The Alexa Cardigan is knitted using size 6 (4mm) needles, with both straight needles for the flat pieces and a set of size 6 (4mm) double-pointed needles (dpn) for the collar and other small circumference sections. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on method, and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in K3, P2 Rib. 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 to ensure a well-fitting cardigan.