String Sofia Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Sofia Cardigan

What is Being Made

The String Sofia Cardigan is a sophisticated, color-blocked knit cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment features a luxurious construction in five sizes (S, M, L, XL) with a finished bust measurement ranging from 40 to 52 inches and a length to shoulder of 25 inches. The cardigan showcases a striking striped pattern created through sequential color changes, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Sofia Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both its visual appeal and structural integrity:

• 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 desired.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking seams throughout the garment.
• Striped Color Work: The cardigan features horizontal stripes created through planned color sequence changes, adding visual interest and dimension without the complexity of intarsia or fair isle techniques.
• V-Neck Shaping: Gradual decreases are worked to create a flattering V-neckline, with decreases occurring every four rows to ensure smooth, even shaping.
• Garter Stitch Borders: Garter stitch edging provides structure and prevents curling at the front edges and hems.

Stitches Used

The Sofia Cardigan pattern employs two primary stitches to create its elegant appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch: The main stitch throughout the cardigan body, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat front and textured reverse side. Stockinette stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side.
• Garter Stitch: Used for the hem and front borders, garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a reversible, textured fabric that provides structure and prevents edge curling.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sofia Cardigan pattern calls for String VERONA yarn, a premium blend combining 95% cashmere with 5% extrafine merino wool. This luxurious fiber composition creates a soft, breathable garment with excellent drape and warmth. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) of yarn with approximately 88 yards (80 meters) of yardage.

The color palette consists of six distinct shades that are worked in a specific sequence to create the horizontal striping effect:

• Color 2218 Iris (Yarn A)
• Color 2202 Cloud (Yarn B)
• Color 2221 Hydrangea (Yarn C)
• Color 2227 Jungle (Yarn D)
• Color 2224 Midnight Sky (Yarn E)
• Color 2228 Campfire (Yarn J)

Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 2 to 3 balls of each color depending on the finished garment dimensions. The pattern specifies US size 10.5 (6.5mm) needles or the size required to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to take time to check their gauge before beginning the project. The finished cardigan measures approximately 25 inches in length to the shoulder when properly blocked.

Additional notions required include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.