String Reese Twin Set Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Reese Twin Set: Knitted Cardigan and Shell

What Is Being Made

The String Reese Twin Set is a coordinated pair of knitted garments designed by Lidia Karabinech, consisting of a sleeveless shell and a matching cardigan. Both pieces are offered in sizes Small through XL with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 to 46 inches. This twin set design allows for versatile styling, with the shell serving as a standalone piece or layering option beneath the cardigan.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several construction techniques to create a polished, professional finish:

• Bottom-up construction: Both the shell and cardigan are knitted from the hem upward, allowing for easy length adjustments and straightforward shaping
• Worked flat: The main body pieces are worked flat on straight needles, then seamed together for a clean, structured garment
• Worked in the round: Circular needles are used for neckline finishing, creating seamless ribbed edges
• Seamed construction: Pieces are joined using traditional seaming methods for durability and neat finishing
• Short-row shaping: The cardigan shoulders are shaped using short rows, creating a tailored fit across the shoulder area
• Tubular cast-on: A tubular cast-on technique is used to create a professional, elastic hem edge

Stitches Used

Stockinette Stitch forms the primary fabric throughout both garments. This fundamental knitting stitch creates a smooth, classic texture with a V-pattern on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stockinette Stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the elegant, refined appearance characteristic of this twin set.

Shaping is accomplished through standard decreasing techniques including k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit), which reduce stitch counts at armholes and necklines for proper garment fit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Reese Twin Set is designed to be worked in STRING BLOSSOM, a luxury yarn blend composed of 50% cashmere and 50% silk. This fiber combination creates an exceptionally soft, lustrous fabric with excellent drape and breathability. The yarn is available in 50-gram balls, each containing 177 yards of yardage.

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Sizes Small and Medium: 8 balls in main color (MC) light teal (726397) and 2 balls in contrast color (CC) teal (726399)
• Size Large: 10 balls in main color and 2 balls in contrast color
• Size XL: 12 balls in main color and 2 balls in contrast color

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two sets of straight needles and one circular needle. Size 5 (3.75mm) straight needles are used for the main fabric, while size 4 (3.5mm) needles are used for ribbed edgings and neckline finishing. A 16-inch circular needle in size 4 (3.5mm) accommodates the neckline work.

The gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch, measured on the larger needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and garment fit.

Finished Measurements

The shell and cardigan have slightly different bust measurements to accommodate the cardigan's button closure. The shell measures 32 to 44 inches in bust circumference, while the cardigan measures 34 to 46 inches. Both pieces share the same length to shoulder of 18½ to 21 inches, depending on size selected.