String Parker Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Parker Cardigan

What is Being Made

The String Parker Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech, available in four sizes ranging from Small to Extra Large. This garment features a finished bust measurement of 39 to 49½ inches (99 to 125.5 centimeters) with a length of 27½ inches (70 centimeters). The cardigan is constructed as a seamed, flat-worked knit project, making it an ideal choice for knitters seeking a structured, tailored silhouette with button-front closure and traditional cardigan shaping.

Techniques Used

The Parker Cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques to achieve its polished construction. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and seaming. Key techniques include:

• Provisional cast-on using a crochet chain method with waste yarn, enabling seamless integration of the hem and creating a refined finished edge
• Decreasing through knit 2 together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) methods for shoulder shaping and fitted waist details
• Increasing using the M1L (make 1 left) technique, which involves lifting the strand between needles and working through the back loop to prevent holes
• Seaming to join the front and back pieces together after all components are knitted separately
• Careful shoulder shaping worked over multiple rows with strategic bind-offs to create a tailored fit

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Parker Cardigan is Stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional cardigans. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a refined appearance ideal for showcasing the luxurious fiber content. The pattern also incorporates garter stitch for the hem, created by knitting every row, which provides a textured, rolled edge that prevents curling and adds structural integrity to the garment's lower edge.

Materials and Specifications

The String Parker Cardigan is knitted using String AMALFI yarn, a premium blend composed of 39% viscose, 25% lambswool, 22% silk, and 14% cashmere. This luxurious fiber combination creates a soft, lustrous fabric with excellent drape and breathability. The yarn is supplied in balls weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with a yardage of 180 yards per ball (165 meters), and the project requires 7 to 10 balls depending on size selection, for a total yardage ranging from approximately 1,260 to 1,800 yards.

The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction details:

• US 7 (4.5mm) needles for the main body, worked in Stockinette stitch
• US 5 (3.75mm) needles specifically for the hem, creating a tighter gauge for a finished edge
• US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) for working the neckline and front bands, allowing for even tension across these critical finishing areas

Additional notions required include waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, stitch holders for securing live stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure carefully before beginning the project, as even small variations in gauge will significantly affect the finished bust measurement and overall proportions of the cardigan.

The cardigan is constructed by knitting the left front, right front, back, and sleeves as separate pieces worked flat on straight needles. The hem is created using a provisional cast-on technique, allowing the knitter to pick up stitches later and fold the hem for a professional finish. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic bind-offs worked over multiple rows, with the back neck stitches placed on a holder for later finishing. All pieces are then seamed together