String Robin Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Robin Cardigan: Lace Knit Cardigan Pattern

What is Being Made

The String Robin Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Irina Poludnenko, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X-Large. This garment features a refined construction with a finished bust measurement spanning from 42 inches (106.5cm) in size S to 62 inches (157.5cm) in size 3X, and a length ranging from 21¼ inches (54cm) to 25½ inches (65cm) depending on size selection. The cardigan is constructed as a seamed, flat-worked piece, making it an excellent project for knitters seeking a polished, wearable garment with elegant lace detailing.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its refined aesthetic. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and construction. The pieces are subsequently seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking seams throughout the cardigan. A Cable Cast-On is used to establish the foundation stitches, providing a sturdy, elastic edge ideal for a garment's base.

The pattern incorporates lace elements as a primary design feature, creating an open, decorative quality throughout the fabric. The back neck shaping is worked with careful attention to stitch maintenance, keeping one stitch at the neck edge in stockinette stitch to ensure a clean finish. The pattern offers flexibility in finishing: knitters may choose to graft the center back seam using a 3-Needle Bind-Off (for which an extra needle is required) or alternatively sew the seam after binding off all stitches, accommodating different skill levels and preferences.

Stitches Used

The Robin Cardigan employs a carefully selected range of stitches to create its distinctive appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The foundational stitch worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, providing a smooth, classic fabric base and used strategically at edges for clean finishing.
• Lacy Rib (multiple of 4 stitches plus 2): A decorative stitch pattern combining lace elements with ribbed structure. Row 1 (right side) is worked as K1, *ssk, yo, k2; repeat from * to last stitch, k1. Row 2 (wrong side) is worked as P1, *p2tog, yo, p2; repeat from * to last stitch, p1. This pattern is repeated throughout and creates the signature openwork effect.
• Garter and Lace Rib (multiple of 4 stitches plus 2): A more complex stitch pattern that alternates garter stitch (knit every row) sections with lace elements. Rows 1-16 establish the basic pattern with alternating knit and purl rows. Rows 17-20 introduce the lace component using the same yarn-over and decrease techniques as the Lacy Rib (K1, *ssk, yo, k2; repeat from * to last stitch, k1 on right-side rows, and P1, *p2tog, yo, p2; repeat from * to last stitch, p1 on wrong-side rows).
• Slip Stitch Edge Treatment: The pattern uses slip stitches knitwise at the beginning of rows and purl stitches at the end of rows to create neat, finished edges throughout the piece.

Materials and Gauge

The String Robin Cardigan is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of premium yarn. The pattern calls for 8 to 13 balls of String Yarns GENEVA, depending on the size selected, with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and containing either 156 yards (142.5 meters) or 154 yards (140 meters) of yarn. GENEVA is a high-end blend composed of 90% cashmere and 10% lambswool, or alternatively 100% cashmere, in color #517107, providing exceptional softness and drape.

The pattern is worked on US 6 (4mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100cm), which accommodate the width of the garment while allowing for flat working. An additional US 6 (4mm) needle is optional but recommended for executing the 3-Needle Bind-Off finish on the center back seam.

The specified gauge is 18 stitches and 28