Pepe Nero

Pepe Nero Cardigan by SunnyGray

What is Being Made

The Pepe Nero is a top-down knitted cardigan featuring wide sleeves and a wave design. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. The cardigan is designed to be worked as a single piece from the top down, creating a seamless construction that flows from back to front pieces.

Construction Method and Techniques

This cardigan employs a top-down, one-piece construction method that begins with casting on the back piece first. The back is worked downward through the armholes. Once the back is complete, the front pieces are picked up at the shoulders directly from the back piece. Each front piece is then worked down through the armholes independently. Finally, all pieces are joined together and worked in rows to complete the garment.

The pattern uses a provisional cast on technique, which allows for a flexible starting edge. A crochet hook is used with waste yarn to create this provisional cast on, enabling the knitter to pick up stitches later if needed for finishing details or modifications.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Pepe Nero cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance. The gauge for this pattern is 20 stitches and 25 rows over 10 x 10 centimeters (4" x 4") in stockinette stitch, providing a standard reference for tension and fit.

Materials and Specifications

The Pepe Nero cardigan is designed to be knitted with Drops Cotton Merino yarn in a DK weight. The color work features a striking black base yarn (450g) combined with accent colors: blue (50g), pink (50g), and violet (50g), creating the wave design element.

The pattern requires the following tools:

• Circular needle in 5mm size (US 8)
• Double-pointed needles or circular needle for the Magic Loop method, used for working smaller circumferences
• Crochet hook for the provisional cast on with waste yarn

Finished Dimensions

The cardigan measurements from shoulder to hem are consistent across both sizes at 40 centimeters (16 inches). Sleeve length varies slightly between sizes: S/M sleeves measure 32 centimeters (12-13 inches), while L/XL sleeves are 34 centimeters (13-14 inches). The front piece length to the armhole is 33 centimeters (13 inches) for S/M and 35 centimeters (14 inches) for L/XL.

Skill Level

The Pepe Nero is classified as a beginner-friendly knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore top-down construction methods and simple colorwork elements.