Gazania

Gazania Cardigan by Maloraé Designs

What is Being Made

The Gazania is a knitted cardigan designed by independent designer Maloraé Designs. This project offers nine sizes ranging from size 0 through size 8, accommodating bust circumferences from 75 cm (29.5 inches) to 150 cm (59 inches). The cardigan features a classic construction with finished measurements that include a bust circumference, upper arm circumference of 27 to 51 cm (10.5 to 20 inches), and a consistent length from underarm to hem of 48 cm (18.8 inches). Sleeve length from underarm to cuff measures 51 cm (20.5 inches). The design is suitable for intermediate-level knitters and is available as a downloadable PDF pattern.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Gazania cardigan employs two primary knitting techniques to construct the garment:

• Provisional Cast On (Provisional CO): This technique is used to create a temporary cast-on edge that can later be picked up and worked in the opposite direction. Provisional cast-on allows for seamless construction methods and is essential for creating reversible or two-directional elements in the cardigan.
• Wrap and Turn (W&T): This short-row shaping technique is incorporated into the pattern to create custom shaping and contouring. Wrap and turn allows the knitter to work back and forth over a portion of stitches without creating visible holes, enabling precise fit adjustments and three-dimensional shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Gazania cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The pattern also incorporates ribbing for the cuffs and edges, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. The ribbing is worked on smaller needles to create a tighter, more elastic fabric than the body.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Gazania cardigan is knitted with fingering weight yarn, also known as 4-ply yarn. This lightweight yarn requires approximately 1115 to 2230 meters (1220 to 2440 yards) depending on the size selected. Fingering weight yarn creates a delicate, refined fabric suitable for garments requiring drape and wearability.

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes. Needles measuring 3.25 mm (US size 3) are used for knitting the body of the cardigan, while smaller 2.75 mm (US size 2) needles are used for ribbing sections. This needle size differential ensures that ribbed edges remain elastic and properly fitted.

Additional Notions: Knitters will need stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, as well as waste yarn for the provisional cast-on technique.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) when working stockinette stitch on 3.25 mm (US 3) needles after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements listed in the pattern. Blocking—the process of wetting and shaping the finished knitted fabric—is required to achieve the specified gauge and ensure proper fit.

Sizing and Fit

The Gazania cardigan is designed with a recommended positive ease of approximately 0 to 5 cm (0 to 2 inches), meaning the finished measurements should be slightly larger than the wearer's actual body measurements for comfortable wearing. This modest ease allowance provides a close-fitting silhouette while maintaining freedom of movement.