String Cyndi Honeycomb Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Cyndi Honeycomb Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Cyndi Honeycomb Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment features a luxurious blend of cashmere and silk, available in four sizes ranging from Small to XL with finished bust measurements of 35 to 46½ inches. The cardigan has a finished length to shoulder of 22½ inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knit in pieces from the bottom up, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and a logical building process from hem to shoulder.
• Cables: The design prominently features cable stitches, specifically the Honeycomb Stitch pattern that creates a distinctive textured centerpiece on the front panels.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are seamed together, providing clean, durable seams that contribute to the garment's polished finish.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, simplifying the construction process and making pattern work easier to follow.

Stitches Used

The Cyndi Honeycomb Cardigan employs two primary stitch patterns that work together to create its distinctive aesthetic:

• Texture Pattern: This four-row repeat pattern alternates between knit-purl ribbing on rows 1 and 2 and stockinette stitch (knit and purl) on rows 3 and 4. This creates a subtle textured background that frames the cable work and provides visual contrast.
• Honeycomb Stitch: Worked over 16 stitches in an 8-row repeat, this cable pattern features Right Cross (RC) and Left Cross (LC) cable crosses. The RC involves slipping 2 stitches to a cable needle, holding to back, knitting 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. The LC reverses this process by holding the cable needle to the front. These crosses are alternated on rows 1 and 5, with knit rows on rows 3 and 7, creating the characteristic honeycomb texture.

Materials and Tools

The Cyndi Honeycomb Cardigan is crafted using premium materials that contribute to its luxurious drape and comfort:

• Yarn: STRING CASHSETA in color 307293 butter, a high-end yarn composed of 50% cashmere and 50% silk. The yardage requirement is 8 to 11 balls depending on size, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces and 114 yards of yarn.
• Needles: Size 8 (5mm) needles are used to achieve the specified gauge of 17 stitches and 22 rows equaling 4 inches in the Texture Pattern after blocking.
• Additional Tools: A cable needle is essential for executing the Honeycomb Stitch cables. Stitch holders are used to hold stitches during armhole shaping, and a yarn needle is needed for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends. The pattern notes that a Jul clasp is optional, suggesting potential decorative closure options.

Pattern Structure and Details

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces that are later seamed together. The Left Front panel is cast on with 45 to 55 stitches depending on size and features a 4-stitch garter stitch border, the 16-stitch Honeycomb Stitch centerpiece between markers, and Texture Pattern stitches filling the remaining space. Armhole shaping begins after the piece reaches 13½ to 15 inches in length. The Back panel is cast on with 75 to 99 stitches and similarly worked in Texture Stitch before armhole shaping. Proper gauge is emphasized as critical to achieving the intended finished measurements, with knitters instructed to take time to check their gauge before beginning the project.