Twist Collective Maida Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Maida Cardigan by Alison Green

What Is Being Made

Maida is a knitted cardigan designed by Alison Green and published by Twist Collective. This garment is a seamed cardigan available in eight sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 60 inches bust measurement, with corresponding lengths from 16½ inches to 20 inches. The cardigan features a sophisticated construction method where the sleeves and upper yoke section are worked first, then joined at the center back before the lower body is added.

Construction and Techniques

The Maida cardigan employs a distinctive seamed construction worked flat on circular needles, rather than in the round. The garment is built in a unique sequence: the right sleeve and yoke are worked from the cuff upward to the center back, followed by the left sleeve and yoke worked in the same manner. These two sections are then joined at the center back using a 3-needle bind off, a seaming technique that creates a secure, finished edge. After the upper sections are complete, stitches for the lower body are picked up and worked downward. Finally, stitches for the collar and front bands are picked up and worked along the entire front and neck edges, creating a fully finished garment.

The primary decorative element of this cardigan is lace patterning. Knitters have the flexibility to work the lace stitch patterns using either written instructions or charts, accommodating different learning preferences. The lace pattern is introduced after the ribbed cuff section and continues throughout the upper body sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Maida cardigan incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches:

• Ribbing: The cuffs and lower edges begin with a classic knit-purl ribbed pattern (K2, P1 ribbing), which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. This ribbing is worked for 3 inches from the cast-on edge.
• Lace Pattern: After the ribbed cuff section, the cardigan transitions to a lace pattern that is worked for multiple rows. The lace pattern can be followed from either written row-by-row instructions or a stitch chart, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method.
• Increases: Strategic increases are incorporated into the ribbing transition row using the M1P (make one purl) increase method, which maintains the integrity of the ribbed pattern while adding necessary width.

Materials and Tools

The Maida cardigan is designed to be worked in Berroco Summer Silk, a lightweight yarn blend containing 45% silk, 43% cotton, and 12% nylon. This fiber composition creates a garment with excellent drape, breathability, and a subtle sheen. Each ball provides 240 yards (220 meters) and weighs 1¾ ounces (50 grams). Depending on the finished size, the cardigan requires between 3 and 6 balls of yarn.

The pattern calls for two sizes of US circular needles: a smaller size 5 US (3.75 mm) needle and a larger size 7 US (4.5 mm) needle, both available in lengths from 24 to 48 inches depending on the bust size being worked. The smaller needles are used for the ribbed cuff sections, while the larger needles accommodate the lace pattern work. Circular needles are used throughout, even though the cardigan is worked flat rather than in the round, providing flexibility and comfort during extended knitting sessions.

Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge, ensuring that the finished cardigan meets the intended finished measurements and drapes properly.