Trick

Trick Cardigan by Elena Penner

What Is Being Made

The Trick is a knitted cardigan designed by Elena Penner, featuring an asymmetrical front design with contrasting lengths between the left and right front panels. This intermediate-level cardigan is sized 38/40 with a bust circumference of 86 cm, waist circumference of 100 cm, and hip circumference of 120 cm. The back length measures 67 cm, while the left front is 62 cm and the right front extends to 72 cm, creating a distinctive angled hemline. The cardigan includes a single button closure and 47 cm sleeve length.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and shaping to the garment. Short rows are used extensively on the back panel to create texture and depth, with the knitter turning the work strategically after increasing numbers of stitches to build the pattern. The construction begins with short row shaping on the back, turning after 90 stitches, then 15 purled stitches, then 20 knitted stitches, then 25 purled stitches, and continuing this progression by turning after every 5 additional knitted stitches until all stitches are incorporated. Following the short row section, decreasing is applied at the beginning and end of rows every 6 rows for 47 repetitions to create fitted shaping through the torso. The left front panel incorporates decreases every 4 rows across 41 decreases to shape the front edge and neckline.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch throughout the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric on the right side and purled texture on the wrong side
• Back stockinette stitch – reverse stockinette stitch used as an accent or textural element
• Short rows – a shaping technique that creates three-dimensional contouring without increasing or decreasing stitch counts
• Decreases – strategic stitch reductions at garment edges to shape the cardigan's silhouette

Materials and Specifications

The Trick cardigan is knitted with 350 grams of cotton Bio Sesia 5 yarn in grey (color number 910), a 4-ply weight cotton that provides breathability and structure. The pattern calls for 3.00 mm needles to achieve the specified gauge. The cardigan is completed with 1 button for closure. The working gauge is 21 stitches by 43 rows over 10 cm x 10 cm in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and fit.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle more complex shaping methods. Familiarity with stockinette stitch, purling, and fundamental decreasing techniques is assumed, with the primary challenge being the execution of short rows and managing the asymmetrical front panel construction.