String Anita Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Anita Cardigan by Lidia Karabinech

What Is Being Made

The Anita Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech for String Yarns. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. The finished bust measurements range from 35½ inches (89 cm) in the Small size to 49 inches (124.5 cm) in the XL size, with length to shoulder measurements ranging from 22 inches (56 cm) to 23½ inches (59.5 cm) depending on size. The cardigan features a structured silhouette and is designed to be worn as a versatile layering piece, fastening with six buttons.

Techniques Used

The Anita Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its construction method. The garment is worked flat, meaning it is knitted on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier shaping and modification. The cardigan is knitted bottom-up, beginning with the back and front pieces cast on at the lower edge and worked upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are then seamed together, creating finished seams along the sides and other joining points. The pattern includes three-needle bind-off instructions for joining two pieces together as you bind off, which creates a secure and decorative seam. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic bind-offs at the beginning of rows and decreases worked within rows to create the proper sleeve cap depth and fit.

Stitches Used

The Anita Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches that create both textural interest and structural integrity. Stockinette Stitch (St st) forms the main fabric of the cardigan, created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This stitch produces the smooth, classic appearance characteristic of traditional cardigans. K1, P1 Ribbing is used for the lower edge and other finishing details, providing elasticity and a refined border. The ribbing is worked in two variations: one with an even multiple of stitches and one with an odd multiple plus one, allowing flexibility in pattern placement. Decreases are worked using K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) techniques to shape the armholes and create fitted shaping. Increases are incorporated using M1L (Make 1 Left), which lifts the strand between needles and works it through the back loop to create an invisible increase.

Materials

The Anita Cardigan is designed to be knitted with luxurious materials befitting an intermediate project. The pattern calls for 7 to 10 balls of String CAPRI DK yarn, depending on size, with yardage ranging from approximately 1,050 yards for the Small size to 1,500 yards for the XL size. String CAPRI DK is a premium 100% cashmere yarn in a DK weight, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 150 yards (137 meters). The cardigan shown is worked in color 2000073, a sophisticated pewter shade. Knitting is worked on US size 6 (4mm) needles, which are appropriate for the DK weight yarn and create the specified gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when blocked. Additional supplies needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together, and six buttons for the front closure.