Arabella

Arabella Cardigan by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What is Being Made

Arabella is an open front cardigan designed to be worn layered over tanks or shirts. This advanced knitting project features a sophisticated construction with lace and ribbed detailing throughout the hem, edging, and collar. The cardigan is knit from the top down, allowing for easy customization and fitting adjustments during the knitting process. Six sizes are available, ranging from XS to XXL, with chest measurements spanning 28–30 inches up to 48–52 inches, making this design adaptable for various body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that create both structural integrity and visual interest. The top-down construction method allows knitters to begin at the neckline and work downward, incorporating increases strategically to shape the body and sleeves. The combination of lace and ribbed stitching requires understanding how to work yarn overs and decreases in coordinated patterns. Knitters will use both left-leaning and right-leaning increases, as well as strategic decreases, to achieve the shaping necessary for a well-fitted garment. The open front design means careful attention to edge stitches and finishing techniques to ensure clean, professional-looking borders.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in lace and ribbed arrangements. Core stitches include:

• Knit (K) – The basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P) – Used in ribbed sections to create textured, elastic edging
• Yarn Over (YO) – Creates deliberate holes in the fabric, essential for lace patterning
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) – A left-leaning decrease providing balanced shaping
• Knit into Front and Back (Kfb) – An increase method that creates an extra stitch from a single stitch
• Make One Left (M1L) – Picks up the horizontal strand between stitches from front to back, then knits through the back loop for a left-leaning increase
• Make One Right (M1R) – Picks up the horizontal strand between stitches from back to front, then knits through the front loop for a right-leaning increase
• Slip Marker (Sm) and Place Marker (Pm) – Used to track pattern repeats and shaping points

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Arabella is designed with versatility in mind, accommodating different fiber types based on seasonal needs. Yarn weight is DK or worsted, with total yardage requirements varying by size: 600 yards for XS, increasing to 1000 yards for XXL. The pattern recommends Be Sweet Bamboo yarn for warm-weather versions, offering breathability and drape suitable for summer wear. Alternatively, wool is recommended for winter versions, providing warmth and structure. Both bamboo and wool work beautifully in DK and worsted weights, giving knitters flexibility in fiber choice based on climate and personal preference.

Needles required are US size 6 (4.00 mm), though the pattern notes that knitters should use whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Gauge is critical for proper fit: 20 stitches and 28 rows should measure 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential, as even small variations can significantly affect the final garment dimensions.

Notions and Finishing

The cardigan requires 2 buttons for closure at the front opening, completing the functional and aesthetic design of this layering piece.