String Elena Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Elena Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Elena Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 37½ inches (95.5 cm) to 49½ inches (125.5 cm) and a length to shoulder of 22 inches (56 cm). The cardigan is crafted as a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Elena Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its elegant construction:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for straightforward sizing adjustments and a logical progression through the pattern.
• Flat Knitting: Pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this project accessible for knitters who prefer traditional flat construction methods.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are joined together using seaming techniques, creating clean, professional-looking seams throughout the garment.
• Lace Patterning: The cardigan features decorative lace stitch work that adds visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Elena Cardigan incorporates a focused selection of stitches to create its refined appearance:

• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for edge finishing, this classic rib pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in a one-by-one repeat, providing elasticity and a polished edge.
• Lace Stitch: The primary decorative stitch features slip-slip-knit decreases (SSK) paired with yarn overs (yo) to create openwork patterns. The lace stitch repeats over 8 to 11 stitches depending on size, with decreases worked as knit 2 together (K2tog) and purl 2 together (P2tog) on alternating rows to maintain stitch count and create the characteristic lace fabric texture.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used in foundational sections of the pattern, this basic knit-purl combination creates a smooth, classic fabric base.

Materials and Tools

The Elena Cardigan is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of premium yarn and requires specific needles for proper gauge and construction:

• Yarn: String AMALFI, a sophisticated blend containing 14% cashmere, 25% lambswool, 22% silk, and 39% viscose. This fiber composition creates a soft, lustrous fabric with excellent drape and comfort. The yarn is available in color 730331 mulberry. Yardage requirements range from 5 balls for the smallest size to 7 balls for the largest size, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 180 yards (165 meters).
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) needles are used as the primary needles for working the main fabric. US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) long are used for ribbed edgings and finishing.
• Additional Tools: Stitch holders, stitch markers, and a yarn needle are required for assembly and finishing the cardigan.

Gauge and Construction Details

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when working in the lace stitch using the larger US 7 (4.5mm) needles. The back piece is constructed using a tubular cast-on method with waste yarn, which creates a professional, seamless edge. After the provisional cast-on and initial stockinette rows, stitches are picked up and increased to establish the full stitch count needed for the body of the cardigan.