String Krasner Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Krasner Cardigan

Overview

The String Krasner Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech, available in six sizes from Small through 3X. This garment features a refined V-neckline and is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed method worked flat on straight needles. The finished bust measurements range from 32 inches (81.5 cm) in the Small size to 52 inches (132 cm) in the 3X size, with a consistent length of 25¼ inches (64 cm) across all sizes.

Construction Technique

The Krasner Cardigan is knit in separate pieces from the bottom up and then seamed together, a classic construction method that allows for precise shaping and professional finishing. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, giving the maker full control over stitch placement and shaping details. This approach is particularly effective for creating the structured V-neckline and tailored armhole shaping that define this design.

Primary Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch used throughout the Krasner Cardigan is Moss Stitch, a textured, reversible pattern that creates visual interest and subtle dimension. Moss Stitch is worked over both even and odd numbers of stitches with slight variations. For even stitch counts, the pattern alternates knit and purl stitches across rows, with the pattern shifting every two rows to create the characteristic textured appearance. For odd stitch counts, a single knit stitch is added at the end of alternating rows. This stitch pattern requires a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in Moss Stitch after blocking.

Shaping Details

The cardigan features two primary shaping elements: a V-neckline and tailored armholes. The V-neckline is created through strategic decreases worked on right-side rows, with the frequency of decreases varying by size. Smaller sizes begin decreasing immediately, while larger sizes work additional rows before beginning neck shaping. The armhole shaping is accomplished through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by decrease rows, creating a smooth, fitted sleeve cap. The shoulder shaping uses additional bind-offs to create the finished shoulder line.

Materials and Yarn

The Krasner Cardigan is designed to be knit with STRING OASIS, a luxurious blend yarn containing 45% linen, 33% cotton, 11% cashmere, and 11% silk. This fiber composition creates a garment with excellent drape, breathability, and subtle sheen. The yarn is available in color 727600 ebony. Yardage requirements range from 7 balls (840 yards/770 meters) for the Small size to 12 balls (1,440 yards/1,320 meters) for the 3X size. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 120 yards (110 meters) of yarn.

Tools and Notions

• One pair of size 6 (4mm) straight needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook for finishing details
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together

Finishing Considerations

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements in the Krasner Cardigan. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge in Moss Stitch after blocking, as the linen-cotton-cashmere-silk blend may shift slightly during the blocking process. The seaming method used to join the knitted pieces should be worked carefully to maintain the neat appearance of the Moss Stitch pattern across seams. The crochet hook is included for finishing techniques, which may include edge treatments or buttonbands typical of cardigan construction.