Stachys

Stachys Cardigan by Maloraé Designs

What is Being Made

Stachys is a downloadable knitting pattern for a cardigan designed by independent designer Maloraé Designs. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from size 0 through size 8, making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with eight 12 mm buttons and is designed with both body and sleeve components that are knit separately and assembled.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Stachys cardigan is designed with approximately 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) of positive ease recommended for comfortable wear. Finished bust circumference ranges from 75 centimeters (29.5 inches) in size 0 to 140 centimeters (55 inches) in size 8. Upper arm circumference measurements span from 27.5 centimeters (10.5 inches) to 49 centimeters (19 inches) across the size range. The cardigan length from underarm to hem is a consistent 41 centimeters (16 inches) across all sizes, while sleeve length from underarm to cuff measures 42 centimeters (16.5 inches).

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is knit using sport weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category that creates a delicate, refined fabric. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 810 meters (885 yards) for size 0 to 1,620 meters (1,775 yards) for size 8. The pattern requires two needle sizes: 3.5 mm (US 4) needles for the main body and 3.5 mm (US 2) needles for ribbing sections. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and eight 12 mm buttons for the front closure.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Stachys is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that incorporates multiple knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The pattern uses stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. The cardigan also features lace sections, which are decorative openwork patterns created by combining yarn overs and decreases to form holes and textural designs within the fabric.

Key techniques employed in this pattern include picking up stitches, a fundamental method used to create new stitches along finished edges—commonly used when adding ribbing, button bands, or necklines to a knitted garment. Ribbing, created with the smaller 2.75 mm (US 2) needles, provides structure and elasticity to cuffs and edges.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern to knit to the correct finished measurements. The gauge for stockinette stitch sections is 22 stitches and 34 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked on 3.5 mm (US 4) needles after blocking. The lace sections have a slightly different gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) on the same needle size after blocking. Blocking—the process of wetting and shaping the finished knitted pieces to even out stitches and set the fabric—is necessary to achieve these gauge measurements and ensure proper fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of stockinette stitch, lace work, and garment construction techniques such as picking up stitches requires familiarity with fundamental knitting skills and the ability to read and follow more complex pattern instructions.