KARU

KARU Cardigan by Regina Moessmer

What is Being Made

KARU is a top-down cardigan design created by independent designer Regina Moessmer. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction method that begins at the shoulders and works downward, incorporating a collar with front bands and a single-button closure. The cardigan is suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with shaping techniques and multi-part garment assembly.

Construction and Techniques

The KARU cardigan employs a distinctive top-down construction approach that sets it apart from traditional bottom-up patterns. The garment begins with short-row shaping at the shoulders, a technique that creates gradual slope and proper fit across the shoulder area without requiring decreases that would interrupt stitch patterns. Once the shoulder shaping is complete, the back is knitted in full rows from the top down until the armhole depth is reached.

The collar construction involves picking up stitches along the back side of the neckline, a method that ensures a neat, integrated finish. The front bands are similarly created by picking up stitches from the collar edge, maintaining continuity throughout the neckline area. Once the front sections are worked down to the armhole level, all garment pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—are joined together and worked in full rows simultaneously, streamlining the construction process and reducing finishing work.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in KARU is stockinette stitch, the classic knit-on-right-side, purl-on-wrong-side pattern that creates a smooth, refined fabric surface ideal for showcasing yarn texture. The gauge for stockinette stitch is 18 stitches by 25 rows over a 4 by 4 inch (10 by 10 centimeter) swatch, measured after washing and blocking to ensure accuracy.

Materials and Tools

The sample cardigan shown was knitted with Erika Knight Wild Wool, an aran-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. Aran-weight yarn is a medium-heavy yarn suitable for creating structured garments with good stitch visibility.

Needles required include circular needles and double-pointed needles (or magic loop method) in two sizes: US8 (5.0 millimeters) for the main fabric and US7 (4.5 millimeters) for ribbed edgings and finer details, or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional tools needed are a stitch holder or waste yarn for temporarily securing stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Yardage Requirements by Size

• XS: 1040 meters / 1140 yards
• S: 1100 meters / 1200 yards
• M: 1220 meters / 1340 yards
• L: 1280 meters / 1400 yards
• XL: 1360 meters / 1480 yards
• XXL: 1480 meters / 1620 yards

The pattern requires one button for the front closure, completing the minimalist, elegant design aesthetic.