String Kimberly Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Kimberly Cardigan: Cashmere-Blend Knit Cardigan with Cable Details

What is Being Made

The Kimberly Cardigan is a sophisticated bottom-up 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 35 inches (89 cm) to 46½ inches (118 cm) and length to shoulder measurements from 21½ inches (54.5 cm) to 23 inches (58.5 cm). The cardigan features a classic construction with seamed construction and is worked flat on straight needles, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a refined, wearable piece.

Techniques Used

The Kimberly Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its polished appearance:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which simplifies stitch management and shaping.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking seams throughout the garment.
• Cable Work: The pattern incorporates cable stitches, adding textural interest and visual depth to the design. Cable work requires the use of a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like patterns.
• Armhole and Neck Shaping: The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for armholes and necklines, with bind-offs and decreases worked at specific intervals to create a well-fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Kimberly Cardigan utilizes a focused selection of fundamental knitting stitches:

• 2x1 Rib: A textured ribbed pattern worked over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 2, alternating knit and purl stitches (K2, P1 repeat). This stitch is used for the cuff and waistband sections, providing elasticity and a neat, finished edge.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body of the cardigan, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This smooth, classic stitch showcases the yarn's qualities and provides an excellent base for cable work.
• Cable Stitches: Created using a cable needle to cross groups of stitches over one another, these stitches form the decorative cable patterns that distinguish the design.
• Decreases: Knit-two-together (k2tog) decreases are used for shaping at the armholes and neckline, ensuring smooth, angled edges.
• Bind-Offs: Used to secure stitches at armhole and neck edges, creating stable, finished edges.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Kimberly Cardigan is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of premium yarn:

• Yarn Fiber Content: String DOLCETTO DK, a blend of 30% cashmere and 70% merino wool, provides exceptional softness, breathability, and temperature regulation. The cashmere component adds luxury and warmth, while the merino wool contributes durability and elasticity.
• Yarn Weight and Yardage (A): 5 (6, 7, 8) balls of String DOLCETTO DK, each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 206 yards (187 meters). This yarn is used for the main body of the cardigan.
• Yarn Weight and Yardage (B): 2 (2, 2, 3) balls of String DOLCETTO, each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 136 yards (125 meters). This yarn is used for contrast or secondary sections.
• Color: Dark khaki (color 200741) provides a neutral, versatile tone suitable for various styling options.
• Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes. US 6 (4mm) needles are used for ribbed sections and achieve a gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in