String Gloria Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Gloria Cardigan by Rosemary Drysdale

What is Being Made

The Gloria Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X-Large. This garment features a classic button-front construction with tailored shaping at the armholes and neckline. The finished bust measurements range from 36½ inches (92.5 cm) in the smallest size to 56½ inches (143.5 cm) in the largest size, with lengths varying from 25 inches (63.5 cm) to 27½ inches (70 cm) depending on the size selected.

Construction Technique

The Gloria Cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces using a bottom-up construction method, then seamed together to create the finished garment. This approach allows for precise shaping and control over fit. The cardigan is constructed by knitting the back piece and two front pieces individually, followed by the sleeves, with all pieces ultimately joined using seaming techniques. Working flat rather than in the round provides flexibility for adding button bands and shaping the front edges of the cardigan.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Gloria Cardigan incorporates two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and structure:

• Garter Stitch – Created by knitting every row, this fundamental stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. Garter stitch is used as the foundational stitch pattern for the main body of the cardigan, providing stability and a classic appearance.
• Ribbed Lace Pattern – A more intricate stitch pattern that combines knit and purl stitches with yarn overs and decreases. The ribbed lace pattern follows a multiple of 5 stitches plus 1 additional stitch. Row 1 (worked on the right side) is worked as *K3, yarn over, ssk; repeat from * to last stitch, k1. Row 2 (worked on the wrong side) is worked as *P3, yarn over, p2tog; repeat from * to last stitch, p1. This pattern creates an elegant openwork texture with vertical ribbed elements and is used strategically in the design.

The pattern also incorporates essential shaping techniques including yarn overs (yo), single decreases (ssk and k2tog), and strategic increases to create the cardigan's fitted silhouette at the armholes and neckline.

Materials and Gauge

The Gloria Cardigan is designed to be knitted with STRING DOLCETTO DK yarn, a luxurious blend of 70% merino wool and 30% cashmere. This yarn weight is classified as DK (double knitting), a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent drape and softness. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 206 yards (188 meters). The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 6 balls for the smallest size to 10 balls for the largest size, with the sample shown in color #201437, a light blue shade.

The pattern calls for size 7 (4.5 mm) needles or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

The required gauge is 20 stitches and 27 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in the ribbed lace pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit of the cardigan, and knitters are advised to take time to check their gauge before beginning the project.

Design Details

The Gloria Cardigan features thoughtful shaping throughout. The back piece is worked straight until the armhole shaping begins at approximately 17½ inches (44.5 cm) from the cast-on edge. Armhole shaping involves binding off a set number of stitches at the beginning of rows, then working decreases at the armhole edges to create a fitted sleeve cap. The front pieces include simultaneous shaping at both the armhole and neckline, with neck decreases worked every right-side row for a portion of the shaping, then transitioning to decreases every four rows for a more gradual taper. The armhole depth measures between 7½ and 10 inches (19 to 25.5 cm) depending on size, creating appropriate proportions for various body sizes.