Romana

Romana Cardigan by Pat Menchini

What Is Being Made

The Romana is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Pat Menchini, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted cardigan with button closure, suitable for everyday wear. The design is offered in five size options ranging from bust measurements of 76/81 cm (30/32 inches) through to 117/122 cm (46/48 inches), making it accessible for a wide range of body sizes. The cardigan features a center back length of approximately 62 to 70 cm depending on size, with consistent sleeve seams of 32 cm across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs fundamental cardigan construction techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern requires working with two different needle sizes to achieve proper fabric tension and structure. Knitters will practice tension control, a critical skill in garment construction, as the pattern explicitly emphasizes testing gauge before beginning. The design incorporates button bands and closure elements, introducing knitters to finishing techniques essential for wearable garments. Shaping techniques are employed to create a fitted silhouette that accommodates multiple size ranges.

Stitches Used

The Romana cardigan is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (st-st), the foundational stitch in knitting that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern abbreviations indicate the use of basic knit (K) and purl (P) stitches as the building blocks of the design. Additional abbreviations reference knit and purl through the back loop (KB/PB), techniques that add subtle texture or shaping variations to the garment. These stitch choices keep the pattern accessible to intermediate knitters while producing a professionally finished cardigan.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Rico-Design Creative Melange DK weight yarn in shade Grey-Turquoise 016. The yarn provides 200 metres (219 yards) per 50g ball. Project yardage requirements range from 5 to 7 balls depending on the chosen size, offering flexibility for different body measurements.
• Needles: Two pairs of knitting needles are required—3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3) needles and 4 mm (UK 8, US 6) needles. The smaller needles typically work ribbed edges while the larger needles create the main fabric.
• Notions: Four buttons are needed to complete the cardigan closure.
• Tension: The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 4 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential, as the pattern notes that loose tension requires finer needles and tight tension requires larger needles.

Pattern Notes

The Romana pattern acknowledges that yarn amounts are approximate based on average requirements, and recommends checking that replacement yarn matches the stated tension if the specified Rico-Design Creative Melange DK becomes unavailable. This guidance ensures that knitters can successfully substitute yarns while maintaining the intended fit and drape of the finished cardigan.