Achillée cardigan

Achillée Cardigan by Maloraé Designs

What Is Being Made

The Achillée cardigan is a sophisticated knitted garment designed by independent designer Maloraé Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern offers eight size options ranging from size 0 through size 7, with finished bust circumferences from 85 cm (33.5") to 155 cm (61"). The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with six 10 mm buttons and six 18 mm buttons, making it a refined layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Achillée cardigan is available in a comprehensive size range with the following specifications:

• Bust Circumference: 85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, or 155 cm (33.5, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, or 61 inches)
• Upper Arm Circumference: 29–45 cm (11.4–17.8 inches) depending on size
• Length from Underarm to Hem: 43 cm (17 inches)
• Sleeve Length from Underarm to Cuff: 48 cm (18.8 inches)
• Recommended Positive Ease: Approximately 0–5 cm (0–2 inches)

Yarn and Materials

The Achillée cardigan is knitted using a unique two-thread construction technique. The pattern calls for holding together one strand of fingering-weight yarn and one strand of lace-weight yarn to create a DK-weight fabric. The designer specifies Softy Fingering from La Fée Ballot paired with Kid Silk from Drops as the recommended yarn combination. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 1100 meters (1205 yards) of each yarn for the smallest size to 1960 meters (2145 yards) of each yarn for the largest size.

Needles and Notions

Knitting this cardigan requires two needle sizes to accommodate different stitch patterns throughout the garment. A 4 mm (US 6) needle is used for the body and stockinette stitch sections, while a 3.5 mm (US 4) needle is used for ribbed edgings. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and waste yarn for provisional cast-ons or securing stitches during construction. The cardigan is finished with six 10 mm buttons and six 18 mm buttons for the front closure.

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The Achillée cardigan is designed to a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters (approximately 8.8 stitches and 12 rows per inch) when working stockinette stitch on 4 mm (US 6) needles, measured after blocking.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Achillée cardigan incorporates intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills and experience. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, refined appearance. Ribbed edgings, worked on smaller needles, provide elasticity and definition to the neckline, button bands, cuffs, and hem.

Horizontal Braid is featured as a decorative or structural element within the cardigan design, adding visual interest and textural depth to the finished garment. This technique involves creating a braided effect that runs horizontally across sections of the cardigan, demonstrating the intermediate skill level required for this project.

Difficulty Level

The Achillée cardigan is classified as an intermediate knitting project. While it uses fundamental stitches such as stockinette and ribbing, the incorporation of techniques like horizontal braiding and the precision required for proper fit across eight sizes makes it suitable for knitters who have completed several basic projects and are comfortable following detailed pattern instructions.

Pattern Format

The Achillée cardigan pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing knitters to access instructions digitally and print them as needed for reference during the knitting process.