Cardigan in Schachenmayr Soraya - 2211 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan in Schachenmayr Soraya Chunky Yarn

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting a classic cardigan in five size options: 32/34, 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, and 48/50. The cardigan features a structured construction with separate back and front pieces, designed to be worked in a textured stitch pattern for a sophisticated, dimensional finish.

Techniques Used

The cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. Patent stitch (also known as brioche stitch) forms the primary fabric texture, creating an elastic, reversible pattern with excellent drape and warmth. Edge stitches are worked on all pieces to ensure neat, finished edges: the pattern specifies slip stitches combined with knit and purl stitches to create clean selvage edges that are easier to seam. Armhole shaping is achieved through bind-off decreases worked at specific height intervals. The construction method involves knitting the back panel and left front panel separately, then joining them during assembly.

Stitches Used

• Patent Stitch (Patentmuster): The main fabric stitch, worked over a gauge of 10 stitches and 20 rows measuring 10 x 10 centimeters on needles size 8–9
• Knit Stitch (rechts stricken): Used in edge stitch sequences and throughout the patent pattern
• Purl Stitch (links stricken): Used in edge stitch sequences and throughout the patent pattern
• Slip Stitch (abheben): Used at selvage edges with yarn positioned in front of the slipped stitch for a neat finish
• Bind-off (abketten): Used to close stitches at armholes and final edges

Pattern Pieces and Construction

The cardigan is constructed from multiple pieces. The back panel begins with 47, 51, 55, 59, or 63 cast-on stitches (depending on size) and is worked in patent stitch with three edge stitches. Armhole shaping occurs at 38–43 centimeters in height, with 6 or 8 stitches bound off on each side. The piece reaches its full length at 60–62 centimeters before final bind-off. The left front panel starts with 25, 27, 29, 31, or 33 stitches and incorporates three edge stitches along the left edge and one edge stitch along the right (side seam) edge. Armhole shaping is worked on the right edge at the same height intervals as the back panel.

Materials and Tools

This pattern is designed for Schachenmayr Soraya, a chunky-weight yarn that works beautifully in textured stitches. Knitting needles in size 8–9 (5–5.5 millimeters) are required to achieve the specified gauge of 10 x 10 centimeters. The chunky yarn weight combined with the patent stitch creates a fabric with excellent elasticity, insulation, and visual interest, making this cardigan suitable for cooler weather wear.

Format and Availability

This pattern is provided as a free, downloadable PDF file, making it immediately accessible for knitters who wish to work from digital instructions. The format allows for easy printing or on-screen reference while working.