String Duma Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Duma Cardigan

Garment Overview

The String Duma Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This elegant piece is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed construction method worked flat on straight needles. The cardigan is available in four sizes: Small (bust 32"/81.5 cm), Medium (bust 36½"/92.5 cm), Large (bust 41"/104 cm), and XL (bust 45"/114.5 cm), with a length to shoulder ranging from 18" to 19½" depending on size.

Materials and Gauge

The Duma Cardigan is crafted using STRING SEA yarn, a luxurious 100% mulberry silk fiber. The pattern requires 7 to 10 balls of yarn depending on size, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 108 yards (100 meters) of yardage. The featured colorway is color 33 onyx. Construction is worked on Size 6 (4mm) needles. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch after blocking.

Essential Notions and Tools

• 4 stitch markers
• 3 stitch holders
• Yarn needle for seaming and finishing

Knitting Techniques

The Duma Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together after completion. The construction method is bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edges and progresses toward the shoulders and neckline. This approach allows for straightforward sizing adjustments and intuitive fit modifications during the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Duma Cardigan features two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main fabric stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan. This classic stitch is created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the smooth, flat appearance characteristic of refined knitwear.
• 1x1 Rib: Used for the ribbed edgings and cuffs. This elastic stitch alternates single knit stitches with single purl stitches, creating vertical columns that provide stretch and recovery. The pattern includes both even-numbered and odd-numbered variations of the rib to accommodate different stitch counts across the garment sections.

Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces that are later seamed together. The back piece is cast on and worked upward, with shaping at the shoulders and back neck. The left and right front pieces are worked independently with similar construction methods. Ribbed edgings are worked for 10 rows at the lower edges to create a finished, professional appearance. Increase rows are strategically placed to shape the garment at key points, with markers used to track pattern alignment and shaping locations. The shoulder seams are shaped through bind-off sequences, and the back neck features a holder to accommodate the neckline opening.

Design Features

The Duma Cardigan showcases a refined silhouette with careful attention to fit and proportion. The use of 100% mulberry silk yarn elevates the garment to a luxury piece, offering a smooth drape and lustrous finish. The ribbed edgings provide both structural definition and practical elasticity. The seamed construction creates clean, professional edges and allows for precise fit adjustments. This cardigan represents a classic, timeless design suitable for both everyday wear and more formal occasions.