String Aria Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Aria Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The String Aria Cardigan is a sophisticated, fitted cardigan sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment features a classic button-front construction with a tailored silhouette, available in sizes S through XL with finished bust measurements ranging from 37½ inches (95.5 cm) to 49½ inches (125.5 cm). The cardigan has a length of 25½ inches (65 cm) and includes a 1¼-inch (3 cm) overlap at the front closure, creating an elegant, structured look suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Techniques Used

The Aria Cardigan is constructed using seamed knitting worked flat, meaning the pieces are knitted individually on straight needles and then sewn together. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and professional finishing. The pattern incorporates grafting using Kitchener stitch, a seamless joining technique that creates invisible seams for a refined appearance. The cardigan features shaped neckline shaping with strategic decreases to create a flattering neck opening, and waist shaping through decreases and increases positioned at specific intervals to achieve the fitted silhouette. The front bands are worked in a contrasting ribbed stitch pattern using a slip-stitch edge technique (slip 1 wyif) for a polished, professional finish.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side
• Garter Stitch: Used in the front band ribbing pattern, created by alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1) to produce a textured, elastic trim
• Knit Front and Back (kfb): An increase technique that creates one additional stitch by knitting into the front and back loops of the same stitch
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease technique used for balanced shaping, created by slipping two stitches knitwise and knitting them together through the back loops
• Slip Stitch (Sl 1 wyif): A slip stitch worked with yarn in front, used at the edge of the front bands to create a neat, finished selvage

Materials

The Aria Cardigan is knitted using String AMALFI yarn, a luxurious blend containing 14% cashmere, 25% lambswool, 22% silk, and 39% viscose. This fiber composition creates a soft, breathable fabric with excellent drape and a subtle sheen. The yarn is available in two colors for this design: color 728332 (sand dollar) and color 729139 (bark). Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 180 yards (165 meters). The pattern requires 5 balls each of colors A and B for size S, 5 balls of color A and 6 balls of color B for size M, 6 balls of each color for size L, and 7 balls of each color for size XL, allowing for the two-color stranded construction. Knitting is worked with size 11 (8mm) needles held together with one strand of each color, achieving a gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Additional materials include stitch holders, stitch markers, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.