String Dena Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Dena Cardigan

What is Being Made

The String Dena Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is available in four sizes: Small (bust 37½"), Medium (bust 42"), Large (bust 47"), and XL (bust 51"), with corresponding lengths ranging from 24½" to 26". The cardigan features a classic button-front construction with a refined, wearable silhouette suitable for layering.

Techniques Used

The Dena Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easier fit adjustments and a natural progression of the garment.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating individual front, back, and sleeve components.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are sewn together using a yarn needle, with three-needle bind-off used for joining selected seams for a secure, professional finish.
• Striped Colorwork: The design incorporates stripes using two coordinating yarns from the String VENEZIA line, creating visual interest and depth.
• Provisional Cast-On: A crochet hook and waste yarn are used to create a provisional cast-on, allowing live stitches to be picked up later for grafting or continued knitting.

Stitches Used

The Dena Cardigan employs fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This stitch produces the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of refined knitwear.
• K1, P1 Ribbing: Used for cuffs, hem, and neckline finishing. This reversible rib pattern alternates single knit and purl stitches to create an elastic, fitted edge that prevents curling and provides structure.
• K2tog and P2tog: Decrease stitches used throughout shaping and the three-needle bind-off technique for joining seams with a decorative finish.

Materials and Gauge

The Dena Cardigan is designed to be knitted with premium luxury yarns and appropriately sized needles:

• Yarn A (Main Color): String VENEZIA SOLIDS in color #300005 pebble, a sophisticated blend of 53% cashmere, 27% superfine lambswool, and 20% silk. Yardage requirements range from 3 to 4 balls depending on size, with each ball containing 1.75 oz (50g) and 197 yards (180m).
• Yarn B (Stripe Color): String VENEZIA in color 730647 pebble, requiring 4 to 5 balls across the size range with the same yardage and weight specifications as Yarn A.
• Needles: US size 6 (4mm) straight needles for the main knitting, with a US size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook reserved for the provisional cast-on technique.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit and is emphasized as a critical step before beginning the project.
• Additional Notions: Waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming and grafting finished pieces together.

The combination of cashmere, superfine lambswool, and silk creates a luxuriously soft, breathable fabric with excellent drape and durability, making the Dena Cardigan a timeless investment piece suitable for various seasons and occasions.