Nani

Nani Cardigan by Frl. Staedtisch

What is Being Made

The Nani cardigan is a seamlessly constructed knitted cardigan inspired by a personal request for a garment featuring brown and light pink colorwork. This intermediate-level design is worked in the round from the top down as a single piece, offering a modern approach to cardigan construction. The pattern also includes a coordinating sweater version available as a free bonus download via Ravelry for cardigan pattern purchasers.

Construction Techniques

The Nani cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve a polished, professional finish:

• Top-down seamless construction: The entire cardigan is worked in the round from the neckline downward, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous garment
• Contiguous method elements: This technique is incorporated to streamline the construction process and maintain consistency throughout the piece
• Steek method: Steek stitches are strategically added to avoid purling during stranded colorwork sections, then carefully cut to create the cardigan opening. This approach simplifies the knitting process by allowing you to work continuously in the round rather than managing complex two-color purl rows
• Strategic increases: Additional body increases are worked into the upper body to improve overall fit and garment shaping
• Optional waist shaping: After the sleeves are separated from the body, the lower body can be worked straight down or with subtle waist shaping according to preference
• Bust darts: Optional darts are provided for a customized fit for those requiring additional bust accommodation

Stitch Details

The Nani cardigan features decorative stitch pattern elements that enhance its visual appeal. A three-row pattern repeat is worked in select locations for textural interest: immediately above the hem, below the neckband, and at the cuffs. The primary construction utilizes stranded colorwork techniques to incorporate the brown and light pink color combination throughout the garment.

Materials

This pattern is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which provides excellent stitch definition for the colorwork elements and creates a garment with good drape and wearability. The pattern accommodates standard knitting needles appropriate for 4-ply yarn, allowing knitters to work the seamless in-the-round construction efficiently.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Nani cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical abilities. The pattern incorporates steek cutting, stranded colorwork, and top-down seamless construction—techniques that require confidence but are well-suited for dedicated intermediate knitters seeking to develop advanced skills.