String Zoey Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Zoey Cardigan: Knitted Cashmere Blend Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Zoey Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech, available in four sizes ranging from Small to Extra Large. The finished garment features a bust measurement of 35½ inches (size S) up to 49 inches (size XL), with a length to shoulder of 23 inches across all sizes. This piece is constructed as a button-front cardigan with seven buttons, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Zoey Cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the hem upward. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier shaping and seaming. Individual pieces are seamed together after completion, which provides clean, professional finishing. This construction method offers excellent control over fit and allows for precise armhole and neckline shaping.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch forming the main fabric body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured knit fabric
• Garter Stitch – Used for the initial foundation rows, created by knitting every row to produce a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges
• 1x1 Rib – An elastic ribbed pattern worked over even or odd numbers of stitches by alternating knit and purl stitches, used for cuff and waistband sections to provide stretch and recovery
• Bluebell Ribs Panel – A decorative stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 5 plus 2 stitches, alternating knit and purl columns to create vertical textured ribs that add visual interest to the front panels
• Left Double Decrease (LDD) – A specialized decrease technique that slips one stitch, knits two stitches together, then passes the slipped stitch over the resulting stitch, used for shaping
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease used for armhole and neckline shaping

Materials and Gauge

The Zoey Cardigan requires 6 to 8 balls of String VENEZIA yarn depending on size, with the sample shown in size M. This luxury yarn blend contains 53% cashmere, 27% superfine lambswool, and 20% silk, providing exceptional softness, warmth, and drape. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 197 yards (180 meters) of yardage. The cardigan is worked on US 6 (4mm) needles, though needle size may be adjusted to achieve proper gauge. The required gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. Additional materials include stitch markers for pattern placement, stitch holders for managing live stitches during neckline shaping, a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and seven buttons for the front closure. The sample shown is knitted in color 518344 sky blue.